Some of the heaviest monsoon rains in decades have killed more than 550 people in Pakistan over the past month, with Balochistan, KP, and Sindh Provinces among the hardest hit regions
Aside from the fatalities, floods from the heavy rains that began in mid-June have damaged more than 46,000 houses, washed away more than 700 kilometres of road, and caused food shortages in every district hit by the flooding. Houses have been filled with sewage, and electricity has been suspended in many areas for days to prevent live wires from coming into contact with water in the streets and electrocuting people.
According to local officials, the past month was the wettest in three decades, with 133% more rain than the average for the past 30 years. Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has received 305% more rain than the annual average.
In response, government agencies and the army have set up aid and relief camps in flood-hit regions and were working to help relocate families and provide food and medicine. But the need is so great that the Balochistan provincial government has appealed to international organizations for assistance. “Our losses are massive,” the province’s Chief Minister Abdul Qudoos Bezenjo told the media.
Families impacted by the flooding need emergency aid such as hot meals, food kits, hygiene kits, water, and non-food Items such as clothing, tents, and blankets. IDRF is currently on the ground in the affected areas to help meet these needs. Through IDRF’s rapid response, those in need will be given hygiene items, and food parcels to alleviate the food insecurity caused by the natural disaster.
People wishing to donate to IDRF’s relief efforts can so on this website under Pakistan Emergency Appeal.
Pakistan ranks among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world and is estimated to have lost nearly 10,000 lives to climate-related disasters and suffered about $4 billion in losses between 1998 and 2018. The annual monsoon season runs from July through September.
About IDRF:
IDRF is a Canadian registered charitable organization dedicated to empowering disadvantaged people in Canada and around the world. Founded in 1984, IDRF has an enviable reputation as one of Canada’s best-run charities and has been recognized by third-party organizations such as the Financial Post and MoneySense for its effectiveness, efficiency, and results. Find out more about IDRF’s work in its Annual Report, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Zeina Osman
IDRF
+1 416-497-0818
zosman@idrf.ca