Amnesty International says flood victims need more help

KARACHI:

Severe flooding in Sindh province has left thousands of people suffering from disease and food insecurity amid government inaction, Amnesty International said.

Following major flooding in August 2024, more than 140,000 people were displaced with many now living in tents. Months later, affected communities are still struggling with health risks and lost livelihoods compounded by little international or government support. With disease rampant due to stagnant floodwaters, older people, children and pregnant women are at increased risk of illness and death.

By failing to guarantee access to adequate healthcare, food and housing in the wake of the floods, the government of Sindh has failed to fulfill economic, social and cultural rights set out in key human rights instruments ratified by Pakistan. The biggest emitters of greenhouse gases, who 0000bear most responsibility for climate change-related disasters, must also minimise the harmful effects of climate change on human rights by phasing out fossil fuels as quickly as possible.

"Tens of thousands of people have been abandoned by the Sindh government and the international community after being devastated again by major floods," said Scott Edwards, Amnesty International's Crisis Response Programme Director. "Many impacted communities were harmed by record-breaking floods in 2022, and have struggled to rebuild their lives. Inaction in the face of repeated disasters is evidence of waning resiliency and global lethargy.

"Climate change is not a tentative threat; lives are being lost today to global inaction and inadequate humanitarian response."