One year after Pakistan’s severe floods, an estimated four million children still require humanitarian aid and resources, as raised by the United Nations children’s agency, UNICEF.
Situation’s severity: The floods have created pressing conditions for millions, and recovery efforts are facing considerable funding shortages.
* Over 100,000 people have been evacuated from areas affected by flooding since August 1, mainly in districts of Kasur and Bahawalpur.
* UNICEF announced that this season’s monsoon rains are exacerbating conditions for flood-impacted communities, resulting in the deaths of 87 children.
* About 8 million individuals, with approximately half being children, remain without access to safe water and over 1.5 million children still need lifesaving nutritional assistance in flood-stricken districts.
By the numbers: The aftermath and damage of the floods are extensive, severely impacting people’s lives and infrastructure.
* The 2020 floods caused over $30 billion in damages, affected 33 million people, and resulted in 1,739 fatalities.
* The flooding damaged or destroyed 30,000 schools, 2,000 health facilities, and 4,300 water systems.
Recovery efforts: Despite a shortfall in funding, aid has made a difference to persons affected.
* UNICEF’s current appeal of $173.5 million is only around 57% funded.
* So far, aid has enabled 3.6 million people to access primary healthcare services and 1.7 million people to get access to safe water in areas with damaged or destroyed water networks.
* Additionally, mental health support has been provided to 258,000 children.
UNICEF’s call: More dedicated effort and resources are needed to improve the dire circumstances for children and families.
* UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil stresses the urgency, saying, “The flood waters have gone, but their troubles remain, in this climate-volatile region.”
* The UN agency is urging Pakistan and aid agencies to increase and ensure consistent investment in fundamental social services for children and families.
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