Pakistan's Federal Minister for Climate Change, Musadik Malik, announced that approximately two million people have been displaced by severe flooding across the country. He emphasized that the most vulnerable families are suffering the most and called for national unity to provide urgent assistance to those affected.
Speaking to reporters, Malik stated that the government's immediate priority is to support the most vulnerable populations in need of aid. He encouraged citizens and non-governmental organizations to offer all possible help to the flood victims. Rural communities along riverbanks have been the hardest hit, while urban areas, including parts of Lahore, have also experienced significant flooding.
Malik was joined by the Chairman of Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Inam Haider Malik, who highlighted the need for rapid relief efforts. These efforts include providing food, medicine, mosquito nets, clean water, water tanks, and temporary power supply. He also urged vigilance to prevent potential disease outbreaks in crowded relief camps.
The Climate Change Minister noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, though abroad, is receiving daily briefings and issuing guidance on relief measures. This information is also being shared with Army Chief Field Marshal General Asim Munir, who is overseeing relief operations on-site. The federal government is supporting the provinces, with collaboration among the Army, Rangers, NDMA, and Rescue 1122.
Officials are managing water flow at critical flood control points to stay below one million cusecs, with controlled breaches planned to protect populated areas. Malik warned that the Panjnad river system could see water flows rise significantly if flooding worsens. He attributed the floods to extreme weather caused by climate change.
Malik also praised the response from the country's provincial governments and security forces for their efforts in rescuing people stranded due to the floods. The NDMA, in collaboration with provincial authorities, continues to distribute relief supplies to displaced families. Trucks carrying ration bags with essential items have been sent to various locations, with further aid being prepared for other areas.
5 Comments
Rotfront
I appreciate the attempts to prevent disease outbreaks in relief camps. That’s an important part of relief efforts!
Fuerza
This shows that we can all come together as a country for our fellow citizens. Let's make sure they don't feel alone.
Manolo Noriega
The controlled breaches to manage floodwaters sound good, but they also just highlight the government's inability to prevent this disaster from happening in the first place.
Ongania
Climate change is real, and it’s good to see it being acknowledged by those in power. Let’s work on preventing future disasters!
Fuerza
It's great to see the government acknowledging the plight of the flood victims. Compassion is vital in these times!