Millions of Pakistanis stricken by floods, affecting approximately four million lives

In Pakistan, the ongoing monsoon season has wreaked havoc across the country, particularly in the provinces of Sindh and Punjab. The situation is dire, according to Isabel Bogorinsky of Welthungerhilfe, who described the situation in Punjab as particularly challenging.

The President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, who began his second term in 2024, is coordinating efforts to manage the impact of the current floods and organize aid. Despite rumors of leadership change being denied by military and government officials, Zardari remains in office.

In Sindh, authorities are conducting evacuations as the situation in the southeastern province is expected to worsen in the coming days. Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon expects to rescue millions of people. The authorities are prepared with food, medicine, and tents to accommodate evacuees.

In Punjab, the most populous province, around four million people have been affected by the monsoon. Many houses have been flooded, and many agricultural areas have been affected, which could potentially impact food security nationwide.

The current monsoon season has already destroyed or damaged over 9,000 houses in Pakistan, and the evacuations in Sindh may add to this number. Nearly 900 people have lost their lives in Pakistan due to the monsoon season since the end of June.

The severe flood disaster in the summer of 2022 claimed the lives of 1,700 people in Pakistan, and submerged a third of the country. The frequency of extreme weather events is increasing in South Asian country Pakistan, making the situation even more challenging.

It's uncertain when people in Punjab can return to their homes due to the monsoon. The situation in Punjab is so grave that Bogorinsky described it as "dire". The impact on food security nationwide could potentially increase due to the flooding in agricultural areas of Sindh, as mentioned by Bogorinsky.

Over 1.5 million people have already been evacuated in Pakistan, with the evacuations in Sindh adding to this number. The authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the evacuated people. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Millions of Pakistanis stricken by floods, affecting approximately four million lives