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Public health concerns are growing after floods in Pakistan affected more than 1.3 million people, reports children’s charity Plan International.
Monsoon rains triggered extensive flooding across Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan, washing away 55,000 homes.
The National Disaster Management Authority says more than 200 people have died and at least 1,100 people have been injured.
Now there are fears over public health, due to stagnant water, and food availability, after a million acres of cropland were wiped out.
“Crops such as rice, cotton, sugarcane and maize have been destroyed, which is likely to mean a rise in food insecurity in already vulnerable districts,” says Rashid Javed, Plan’s country director in Pakistan.
Nearly 35,000 displaced people are currently being housed in 400 relief camps, with the local government providing tents, food, mosquito nets and blankets.
Plan is currently supporting evacuation efforts in the Punjabi district of Rajanpur.
The charity has been working with partners on the ground to conduct a response plan, including distributing health and hygiene kits to help 21,000 people.
“Stagnant water in flood-affected areas raises public health concerns over the risk of malaria and waterborne diseases.
“Water reservoirs are nearing or at their optimum storage capacity and have limited capacity to absorb more floods,” says Mr Javed.
The monsoon rains began in early August, triggering hill torrents in some areas.
The Indus and Chenab rivers have continued to flood plains in Sindh and Punjab, while more rain is forecast in the days ahead.
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
