Islamabad: The latest update provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on the 2024 monsoon season reveals significant displacement and damage across various provinces in Pakistan. The report, covering events from July 1 to September 1, 2024, highlights extensive human and infrastructural losses, particularly in the provinces of Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan, with a worrisome projection of further intense rainfall.
According to United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Sindh reported substantial displacement in Sanghar district, with 14,404 individuals affected, including a significant number of children. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has set up relief camps accommodating some of these displaced persons, while others have sought refuge with relatives in nearby districts. Additionally, Sindh’s education sector has been hit hard, with over 72,000 children’s education disrupted and significant damage to school infrastructure.
In Punjab, the anticipation of strong monsoon rains threatens to trigger severe flash floods, particularly in the tribal areas of Dera Ghazi Khan. The province has prepared by establishing 142 relief points to assist around 2,000 families currently affected by the adverse weather conditions.
Balochistan has seen an escalation in the crisis, with 12 districts now declared calamity-hit. The affected areas have reported substantial losses in agriculture and livestock, exacerbating the hardship faced by local communities. Immediate needs for the population include water, sanitation, shelter, and medical assistance to prevent the outbreak of diseases.
The report also details the situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where weather-related incidents have resulted in significant casualties and damage to property, including livestock and educational facilities. The province has experienced devastating impacts due to heavy rainfall and flash floods, with notable incidents in Dir Upper district leading to multiple fatalities and the destruction of homes.
This comprehensive update underscores the urgent requirement for continued aid and relief operations across the affected regions of Pakistan, as the monsoon season persists with expected further complications.