Impact of prolonged flooding in Pakistan: In the middle of unexpected health emergency

Abstract

Pakistan's 200 million people are among the most vulnerable global victims of the escalating effects of climate change despite producing <1% of the greenhouse gases blamed for contributing to global warming. Flooding is one of its consequences. 1Since the monsoon season started, Pakistan has received more than 60% of the usual rainfall. In Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh, flooding, landslides, flash floods, and severe weather-related calamities like glacial lake outburst floods have drastically affected the areas. 2 One-third of the country has been swamped by the disaster, which has afflicted at least 33 million people. This has exposed 3.4 million children to waterborne infections, drowning, and malnutrition. 2-4 Rains and floods have destroyed about 300,000 homes and damaged over 650,000 more. Livelihoods have been shattered as crops have been destroyed, 2 million acres of agricultural land have been damaged, and approximately 735,000 cattle have died. 4 In flood-affected communities, the latest floods have also exacerbated food insecurity and hunger situation. From December through March 2023, over 14.6 million people are anticipated to need emergency food assistance. 5All the data stated above has raised various concerns related to nation's socioeconomic and demographic situation, this catastrophic flooding has elevated the dangers of dealing with the already burdened and compromised