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UNICEF is sending in life-saving supplies to the millions of people hit by severe flooding in numerous provinces in northern Pakistan. The devastating floods are said to be the worst inside the region for 80 years and have affected an estimated 3.two million individuals including 1.4 million young children.
“The biggest threats are the outbreak of water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea and cholera, specially deadly to kids. We have already received reports of cases of diarrhoea amongst youngsters. Food, clean drinking water, well being supplies, high energy biscuits, clothing for women and young children and vaccines, are needed urgently. We have already supplied a initial tranche of humanitarian supplies and is going to be bringing in more over the next days during this crucial life-saving period”, stated Martin Mogwanja, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.
The flooding has caused widespread destruction of infrastructure with roads submerged and bridges swept away. Power lines are down and damage has been completed to hospitals, schools and sanitation systems. In one district, UNICEF reported that 80 per cent of the drinking wells had been destroyed. Several families are camping out in schools and other creating located on greater ground.
“There has been widespread damage to crops and loss of livestock. In a largely agricultural region, this is causing food scarcity now and will have negative implications for the future. We might be searching at a long-term humanitarian operation to 1st save lives and then assist with the recovery of those affected regions,” said Mr. Mogwanja.
To date, UNICEF has provided hygiene kits, water tankers and high energy biscuits. It has repaired 73 tube wells benefitting 800,000 individuals and supported the setting up of 24 medical camps benefitting an estimated 1 million people.
UNICEF is asking for $10.3 million for the immediate desires of the affected populations.
Source: UNICEF