Struggling flood survivors

Food security, livelihood-related assistance and public health concerns of millions yet to be addressed

As predicted, a major humanitarian crisis is brewing in the flood affected areas of Pakistan. It is being estimated that a staggering 45 million people continue to remain exposed and vulnerable as food security, livelihood-related assistance and public health remain major concerns that are yet to be addressed.

The latest UN research suggests that in order to fend for themselves, flood affectees are relying on negative coping mechanisms, such as selling income-producing assets, borrowing more loans and money from loan sharks, skipping meals, and withdrawing children from schools — all in a bid to make ends meet. Many farmers have missed the Rabi season crop due to lack of access to agricultural input and land, making them vulnerable to acute food shortage. Further, around 1.6 million children are severely malnourished and in need of life-saving assistance while some 80,000 children require urgent medical care due to the rapid spread of dangerous diseases. Local support and government efforts have dwindled and the issue has slowly become second news. The issue is close to being forgotten with only a few NGOs providing genuine on-ground assistance.

The situation calls for immediate assistance and international help. The international community must abide by their promises and streamline the $9 billion pledge, which first and foremost should be used to help these hapless survivors. Local communities and rescue groups must remobilise to disseminate resources and medication to those in dire need. Reactionary and myopic response from those who hold power will simply not cut it considering the scale and magnitude of destruction. Yes, life will go on but consequences will be persistent and wide-spread. A long-term rehabilitative approach seems to be most practical when it comes to dealing with such a crisis.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2023.

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