Relentless floods in eastern Pakistan have resulted in the deaths of more than 170 people, with approximately half of the casualties being children. This tragic event highlights the country’s increasing vulnerability to the climate crisis. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at least 54 deaths occurred in just the past 24 hours as heavy rains inundated the populous province of Punjab, leading to the collapse of homes and extensive damage to infrastructure.
The NDMA reported that since flooding began on June 26, 2023, at least 85 children have lost their lives. Aid agencies are raising alarms over the heightened risks faced by children, who are particularly susceptible to drowning and serious illnesses caused by waterborne diseases. In response to the escalating crisis, several districts in Punjab have declared a state of emergency, and military personnel have been deployed to Rawalpindi to assist with rescue efforts.
Video footage shared by Punjab’s Disaster Management Authority captures dramatic rescues, with first responders using inflatable rafts to carry children to safety as floodwaters engulf entire fields and roads. The heavy rainfall has persisted, affecting Rawalpindi and the nearby capital Islamabad. Reports from the Pakistan Meteorological Department indicate that multiple areas received over 100 millimeters of rain on Thursday, with more precipitation anticipated on Friday.
Residents like Mahar Hammad, a daily wage worker from the Sargodha district, have expressed their despair. Hammad, who sells vegetables, described the financial impact of the floods, stating, “I’ve had huge losses. I was selling vegetables, and everything got submerged in water.” He emphasized the challenges of surviving on a daily income of 1,000 rupees (approximately $4), noting that his home is damaged and water is seeping in.
In light of the disaster, the government has established seven flood relief camps across the country to provide essential resources such as food, water, medicine, and shelter to those affected. Pakistan is notably on the frontline of the climate crisis, with a population exceeding 230 million facing the dual threats of extreme heat and relentless monsoon rains.
Senator Sherry Rehman, a former minister for climate and environment, remarked on social media platform X, “This is not just ‘bad weather’ – it’s a symptom of an accelerating climate crisis.” She questioned how many more disasters the country must endure before implementing robust urban planning measures to enhance resilience.
This year’s flooding has echoed the devastation of previous disasters, particularly the catastrophic floods in 2022, which submerged a third of the country, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. The aftermath of that disaster saw a surge in waterborne diseases, affecting thousands, especially children. According to UNICEF, approximately four million children remained without access to safe drinking water a year later.
As Pakistan grapples with these recurrent climate-related challenges, the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate future disasters has never been more pressing. The human cost of these floods serves as a stark reminder of the broader implications of climate change, calling for immediate action and support from the global community.