Pakistan's under water - 16th September 2022

Over 1,400 people have died in Pakistan's most recent natural disaster. The flood damage has totalled $10 billion. The United Nations and the Pakistan government are requesting as much help as possible.  

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has described the situation as urgent and has provided $10 million from its emergency fund. 

WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is calling for more help as quickly as possible. 

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: "More than 1000 deaths have been reported, and almost 900 health facilities have been damaged. Three quarters of Pakistan's districts and 33 million people have been affected, with more than 6 million in dire need of humanitarian aid."

A third of Pakistan's covered by the flood waters. People like Irfan Ali, in Balochistan, had to be saved by helicopter. He spent two weeks in flood waters.

Irfan Ali: "We were stuck in the flood water for 15 days, we waved towards the helicopter, then we were rescued by the forces."

There's a lack of food due to destruction of homes and farmlands. For two weeks, Imran Ali's family have been at this shelter. It's their only source of food. 

Imran Ali: "We have been here for 15 days, we have no problem here, we are getting food and drink every day and apart from that, we are also getting ration. We are thankful to the district administration and forces."

Pakistan's monsoon rains started one month early and have continued. Scientists blame climate change for the extreme floods. Pakistan produces less than one percent greenhouse gases globally, but it's suffering the negative effects because of its geography.

Several countries are experiencing natural disasters. Tedros Ghebreyesus stated that emergency aid is good but taking immediate climate action is better.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: "Floods in Pakistan, drought and famine in the Greater Horn of Africa, and more frequent and intense cyclones in the Pacific and Caribbean all point to the urgent need for action against the existential threat of climate change."