Devastating floods in Pakistan

According to UNICEF, Torrential monsoon rains triggered the most severe flooding in Pakistan’s recent history, washing away villages and leaving almost 10 million children in need of immediate, lifesaving support, and at increased risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition. Hundreds of thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed, while many public health facilities, water systems and schools have been destroyed or damaged. As the floodwaters have receded, the crisis has become an acute child survival crisis. Frail, hungry, children are fighting a losing battle against severe acute malnutrition, diarrhea, malaria, dengue fever, typhoid, acute respiratory infections, and painful skin conditions. As well as physical ailments, the longer the crisis continues, the greater the risk to children’s mental health.

S.M.I. is responding with the partners, helping to deliver safe drinking water; lifesaving medical supplies; food supplies; to children and families. We are also planning to establish temporary learning center and supporting the protection and psychosocial wellbeing of children affected by these devastating floods.

But much more is needed to ensure we can reach all families displaced by floods and help them overcome this climate disaster.