UNICEF Geneva Palais briefing note on the harrowing situation children face as floods continue to devastate Pakistan

Dr. Jassim Taqui

DG Al-Bab Institute for Strategic Studies

Islamabad, September 21, 2022: Next week marks a month since catastrophic floods uprooted more than 3.4 million children from their homes. The violent rapids have already claimed the lives of more than 550 children. Without a significant surge in support, we fear many more children will lose their lives.

 

“Even after three weeks, large parts of the flood-affected areas are still submerged under water. Many of the roads and bridges have either been washed away or damaged. Thousands of families in the 81 calamity-hit districts are still cut off and desperately need support. Families have no food, clean water, or medicines.

 

“Lack of food means many mothers are now anemic and malnourished and have very low-weight babies.

 

UNICEF has been on the ground since Day 1 supporting the Government of Pakistan’s flood response. Immediately following the floods, we dispatched US$ 1 million in prepositioned supplies, with an additional US$ 3 million of supplies delivered and dispatched to the worst affected districts. We have set up 71 mobile health camps and temporary learning centers to help children cope with trauma.

“The world needs to come together and help the children in Pakistan. Our funding appeal for US$ 39 million is still less than a third funded, and the needs of children will only continue to grow. Together we can save lives by delivering lifesaving health, nutrition, WASH, protection, and education services to every child in Pakistan who needs them the most.