Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change. During the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) in Egypt last year, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and the Minister of Climate Change mobilised countries to recognise the destruction in Pakistan and provide Pakistan with climate reparations. At the Geneva Climate Conference in January, countries pledged more than $8 billion for the country’s rehabilitation and recovery from the devastating floods of 2022.
Unfortunately, seven months have passed since the floods, yet many people in flood-affected regions of Sindh are still living in makeshift shelters. The Sindh government carried out inspections promptly, but they have yet to offer any assistance or support to the affectees. Surging inflation has further raised challenges for the despondent people. Many of them cannot rebuild their homes or resume their usual work activities.
Hundreds of families living under open skies will not be able to endure the scorching summer heat. The government must intervene to rebuild homes and provide affectees with basic items to reduce their hardships. Just because the news cycle has moved on from the flood-affected regions does not mean people’s lives have returned to normal. Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) should continue supporting flood victims through donations and financial assistance.
Ayaz Ali Bhatti
Published in The Express Tribune, April 4th, 2023.
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