Flood victims and winters

The needs of approximately 20 million flood-affected people will be intensified during the winter months

Fearful predictions have now been seconded by the UN which claims that the arrival of the winter season will create a severe humanitarian crisis in flood-affected communities of Pakistan. The needs of approximately 20 million people will be intensified during the cold months and the international community must step up to provide resources on an urgent basis.

Pakistan has received funds but at a terribly slow pace, as only 23% of the $816 million Floods Response Plan has arrived and put to use. International and local NGOs have been working tirelessly to cater to the affected communities but the scale of the devastation is just too massive. In such a situation, continued international support is essential to ensure that these communities get back on their feet. However, the winter season will bring with it rather tough and unique challenges. The government must be on its toes to address those as they emerge.

Now, while the water has receded in most areas and majority families have resettled back on their lands, make-do relief tents might not be adequate to protect them from the cold. Heating equipment and warm clothes will also be essential especially for vulnerable children and women. To make matters worse, communities will also have to brace themselves from viral flu, allergies and respiratory diseases that mostly get aggravated during the cold season. Without proper care, treatment and medication these diseases could prove fatal to many who have low immunity.

It has yet to be seen that local governments have made any efforts to prepare specifically for the winter season. Ideally, donation camps should have been set up across cities to collect warm items to be distributed to affected areas. It is also yet to be seen if any medical equipment, such as flu shots and allergy medication, has been procured for flood victims. Tough challenges are ahead and only pre-preparedness will help carry out the enormous responsibility we all have on our shoulders.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2022.

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