Millions of children need aid a year after Pakistan’s devastating floods, UNICEF says

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.

View original article on NPR

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