Monsoons are a yearly event in Pakistan, but this year’s monsoon has left one-third of the country underwater, an area the size of Wyoming. Not only have many homes been swept away, but vital roads and bridges too have been destroyed, further adding to the chaotic state by disrupting transportation and communication. Almost half a million people have been displaced when torrents of water have swept away even multistoried buildings. Video footage shows people in water up to their necks. Children have been particularly hard hit.

Experts have said that this devastation is directly due to human-made climate change. Unfortunately, the ones who suffer the most have contributed the least to the global crisis. Not only have homes, towns, and people been affected, but 90 % of the crops have been destroyed adding to the food insecurity Pakistan already experiences. The government estimates that 33 million people have been affected by the extreme weather. Pakistan cannot deal with this crisis on its own, but must have help from the global community. On Tuesday, the United Nations issued a flash appeal for emergency funds to help in this emergency.

SOURCE:

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/19/world/africa/ethiopia-attack-amhara-people.html

‘Doomsday’ scenario in Pakistan as monsoon leaves one-third of the country underwater and over 1,000 dead (NBC NEWS)

Pakistan floods are ‘a monsoon on steroids’, says UN chief (https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-62722117).