Published on September 14, 2022
6 Ways The Floods Have Impacted Pakistan And Progress For The Goals
Recently, floods in Pakistan have had a devastating impact across the country, affecting 33 million people and killing over 1,000 people. Despite contributing less than 1% of global emissions, Pakistan is one of the top 10 countries in the world that is most vulnerable to the climate crisis.
The devastation does not just hinder progress toward Goal 13: Climate Action, it also impacts Pakistan’s progress toward several of the other Global Goals too, and the chance for us to create an equitable, safer world for all.
Image by Rhugved Kandpile from Pixabay
Goal 8: Job Disparity
The textile industry in Pakistan is a vital source of employment for many, whilst also being important for foreign exchange. One of the key materials needed by the textile industry is cotton. In fact, 70% of Pakistan’s industry uses cotton produced in Pakistan. However as the floods have destroyed a vast majority of cotton crops in Pakistan, many cotton farmers are out of work, as are the majority of Pakistan’s textile workers.
Goal 11: Destroyed Infrastructure
In Pakistan, around 5,000 kilometres of roads have been destroyed, meaning the transportation of emergency aid to those impacted is delayed. 243 bridges have also been damaged, cutting off important supply routes. This includes the main supply route from port city Karachi, due to a bridge linking it to Baluchistan being swept away. Bridge and road damage is also delaying the evacuation of victims.
Image by Muneer ahmed ok from Unsplash
Goal 4: Disruption To Education
UNICEF states that the floods have damaged or destroyed at least 18,000 schools across Pakistan. This has meant many children are facing an abrupt halt to receiving an education. Children were already facing disruptions due to COVID-19, therefore further disrupting their access to schools and learning.
Goal 10: Vulnerable Elderly
The elderly in Pakistan are particularly vulnerable as many often can’t make the journey to makeshift camps for the displaced due to many areas still being underwater. This means they are even less likely to receive vital aid and are forced to wait to for medical attention and vital necessities.
Image by Muhammad Abdullah from Unsplash
Goal 2: Food scarcity
The severe floods have meant a food crisis has already begun, as it has impacted fish farms, cattle and wheat production. About 80 per cent of tomato crops in Pakistan have been damaged. Basic items such as tomatoes and onions have increased by 40% in price due to inflation – with prices becoming extortionate, many cannot afford food.
Goal 6: Waterborne Diseases
Outbreaks of waterborne diseases are on the rise in relief camps – due to a lack of clean drinking water, diarrhoea, skin diseases, and eye infections are spreading. More than 90,000 diarrhoea cases were reported from one of the worst-hit provinces, Sindh, in 24 hours. There has also been an increase in reported cases of cholera, malaria and dengue too. The floods have also limited access to clean drinking water for hundreds of thousands of people.
So What Can You Do To Help?
The flood has impacted Pakistan’s progress to be a safer, better and more equal place. Whilst it will take time to get back on track as Pakistan rebuilds itself, it’s important to help the organisations that are helping flood victims who are providing immediate relief. Here are a few organisations to support:
——
About the author:
This blog was written by Premela Kala, Social Media Executive at Project Everyone.
