What is the crisis about?
Pakistan is still in the throes of disaster following the devastating monsoon floods of 2022. These the floods, which UN Secretary-General António Guterres described as a “monsoon on steroids”, submerged a third of the country, affected 33 million people and claimed over 1,700 lives. The destruction is extensive, especially in the countryside.
The background story before the flood in Pakistan
This crisis is not just a natural disaster. Experts points to anthropogenic climate change as a major factor that has intensified the monsoon and caused extreme weather events.
Climate change, the global challenge, manifested itself locally in Pakistan, where floods occur approximately every ten years. At the same time, the events of 2022 attracted global attention and underlined the urgent need for increased investment in disaster risk reduction, spatial planning and sustainable development.
The flood, which washed away millions of homes, roads, health facilities, bridges and schools, was exacerbated by climate change and led to an unprecedented disaster.
Almost half of all children in Pakistan are still affected by the floods in 2022. Photo: UNOPS
How does it affect the population and the environment?
The aftermath of the flood is devastating. Families are struggling with loss, are on the run and are cut off from the necessities of life. Hoor Jahanwho lived in a tent for months after her house was flooded, expresses the dire situation many face when she tells UNOPS: “We can’t even survive.”
There are 207 million people living in Pakistan. 1 in 5 of the population is currently malnourished, and 37% live in food insecurity. The destruction of 9.4 million hectares of crops and the loss of over 1.1 million livestock are exacerbating food insecurity and economic challenges, further complicating the rebuilding process.
Millions of children have had their schooling interrupted, which paints a sad picture of the challenges facing the younger generation after the devastating floods.
???? We’ve procured millions of items to help the Pakistan government respond to catastrophic flooding in the country | @WorldBank pic.twitter.com/ckYoYQikc9
— UNOPS (@UNOPS) March 29, 2023
What is the UN doing to deal with the crisis?
In response to the disaster in Pakistan, the UN has launched a comprehensive and joint effort by several organizations to deal with the devastating effects of the flood.
Flood Response Plan: The UN quickly launched the Flood Response Plan, an important initiative that seeks 7.9 billion Norwegian kroner to help 9.5 million of the hardest hit. Unfortunately, only 69% of the appeal has been funded so far, underscoring the urgent need for increased international support, says the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The destruction of 9.4 million hectares of crops and the loss of over 1.1 million livestock exacerbates food insecurity and makes it even more difficult for people to earn a living and get proper meals every day. Photo: UNOPS
UNDP’s Vision for Resilient Flood Recovery 2022 appears as a guiding strategy that encompasses both the short-term and long-term needs of the affected local communities. This plan, which is part of the nexus between humanitarian aid and development, focuses on stabilizing communities, restoring infrastructure and building lasting resilience.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Program (WFP) play a decisive role in crisis management. UNICEF looks after children’s isolated needs after the flood by ensuring access to education and health services. At the same time, WFP combats the increased food insecurity by delivering emergency supplies, which shows the UN’s commitment to dealing with specific vulnerabilities and ensuring immediate help in the affected areas.
Poverty alleviation is an important part of rebuilding Pakistan and preventing new crises. Photo: UNOPS
The UN’s sustainability goals related to this crisis
The flood disaster in Pakistan underlines how important it is to deal with climate change and its disproportionate consequences for vulnerable countries.
Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizes the need to reduce carbon emissions, which is in line with Sustainable Development Goal 13 on climate action. “Carbon emissions are warming our planet, killing people, destroying communities and undermining economies,” says Guterres.
UNDPs Vision for Resilient Flood Recovery is in line with SDG 13 and contributes to SDG 2 on ending hunger by focusing on stabilizing livelihoods, supporting local economic reconstruction and creating sustainable employment.
This crisis emphasizes the connection between climate measures, disaster risk reduction and general development. It emphasizes the need to invest in national disaster preparedness and resilience, and several of the UN’s sustainability goals are heavily involved as a solution.
Pakistani climate refugees sleep in tents. 33 million people have been affected by the flood, and 1,700 have lost their lives. Photo: UNOPS
How can you contribute?
Raising awareness in social media and participating in public discussions about climate change and disaster preparedness are effective ways of contributing. Share this article on social media – your voice is important too.
Individuals can contribute to the UN’s work and explore opportunities through programs such as United Nations Peace Corps.
Donations to recognized organizations involved in crisis response, such as UNICEF and WFPcan provide important resources for emergency aid.
Read more about the ongoing crisis in Pakistan:
UNOPS: We learned them from the floods in Pakistan
Guterres speaking out about the crisis in Pakistan
Facts from OCHA
UNDPs plan for future sustainable development
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