As we marked the one-year anniversary of the historic floods that wreaked havoc on Pakistan, the latest report from Unicef serves as a stark reminder that the plight of millions of children in the country remains dire. Despite a national state of emergency and international efforts, the road to recovery has been arduous, and the future remains uncertain for affectees.
Last year’s floods, which triggered a nationwide emergency, resulted in widespread destruction and left an indelible mark on the landscape of Pakistan. The statistics were staggering — 33 million people were affected and among them a staggering half were children. With vital infrastructure, including schools, healthcare facilities and water systems decimated, the already existing disparities faced by children were exacerbated. Prior to the floods, a significant number of children were out of school, malnutrition was alarmingly high and access to clean water was a luxury. Unicef’s recent sobering estimates indicate that in flood-affected areas, nearly 8 million people, half of them children, continue to grapple without access to clean water. The plight of over 1.5 million children requiring urgent nutrition interventions further highlights the depth of the crisis. The response from the international community has been significant, yet it falls short of the resources required to catalyse a comprehensive recovery. Unicef’s appeal for $173.5 million, a plea to extend life-saving support, remains only 57% funded.
The continued absence of adequate relief provisions and substantial government support in the aftermath of the devastating floods is undeniably deplorable. As we reflect on the one-year mark since the historic floods, it’s imperative for both the government and the international community to heed the call for urgent action. The words of Unicef’s representative, Abdullah Fadil, ring true: “The flood waters have gone, but their troubles remain.” Tangible action is now imperative.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 3rd, 2023.