Islamabad: In Sindh, extreme weather conditions have led to the closure of schools, affecting education for approximately 230,000 children. The region, still recovering from last year’s severe floods, faces renewed challenges as monsoon rains continue to damage infrastructure and displace communities.
According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, over 1,300 schools in Sindh have been impacted, with 228 completely destroyed and another 450 rendered inoperative due to standing floodwaters. This disruption comes as a significant setback for an education system already under strain, with 26.2 million children nationwide out of school.
UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil, expressed concern over the recurring climate shocks hindering children’s access to education. The ongoing monsoon has been particularly harsh, claiming 76 lives in the province since July 1, half of whom were children. Additionally, about 140,000 children and families have been displaced in the calamity-hit districts of southern Pakistan.
On the ground, UNICEF teams are conducting rapid assessments and coordinating with the government and local partners to formulate both immediate and long-term response strategies aimed at restoring educational services and supporting early recovery efforts. Fadil emphasized the urgent need for investments in climate-resilient educational facilities and services to safeguard children’s futures in this climate-vulnerable region.