Abandoned and Forgotten: Pakistan's Flood Victims Struggle for Survival

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The devastating floods that ravaged Pakistan's Sindh province have left thousands of people in a dire state, grappling with disease, food insecurity, and a lack of government support. Amnesty International's investigation has uncovered the harrowing stories of those left behind, with older people, children, and pregnant women bearing the brunt of the crisis.

Forgotten Victims of a Relentless Disaster

Drowning in Despair: The Health Crisis Plaguing Flood-Affected Communities

In the aftermath of the August 2024 floods, over 140,000 people were displaced, forced to seek refuge in makeshift tents along roadsides. Months later, these communities continue to face a dire health crisis, with rampant outbreaks of malaria, skin infections, and gastrointestinal issues. Tragically, the most vulnerable – the elderly, children, and expectant mothers – are bearing the heaviest toll, with increased risks of illness and even death.Shazia Chandio, a 22-year-old mother, lost her 18-month-old son when her village in Dadu district was submerged. Shazia, her daughter, and son were all hospitalized after suffering from severe vomiting and diarrhea, but the family could not afford further treatment. Heartbroken, Shazia recounted, "For one day and one night he was suffering diarrhea, and then the next day he died."The lack of access to clean water and proper sanitation has exacerbated the health crisis, particularly for women and girls. Aalma, a 43-year-old resident, described the harrowing conditions, "My [16-year-old] daughter was having diarrhea and was also vomiting. We could not allow her to go outside, so she was vomiting and having diarrhea inside the tent."

Shattered Livelihoods and Unmet Needs: The Ongoing Struggle for Survival

The floods have not only devastated homes but also destroyed the primary livelihoods of these communities, with over 500,000 acres of agricultural land in Sindh province left in ruins. Families who once relied on rice, wheat, cotton, and mustard seed crops now find themselves struggling to put food on the table, with many forced to subsist on a single meal per day.Ali Hassan Sumejo, a 22-year-old father of two, lost most of his belongings when a canal burst near his village. He not only lost 25kg of stored wheat but also three farm animals. With his crops destroyed and the land unlikely to be dry enough for the next planting season, he faces the daunting task of repaying the PKR 150,000 (US$540) he owes his landlord for fertilizer, seeds, and equipment.Jameelan Nour Mohammed, a 41-year-old mother of five, shared her frustration, "My house fell down in 2022, and we rebuilt it for PKR 200,000 (US$720). There is no money left to rebuild again. Why should I build it again and again if the floods will come again in a year?"Despite the Sindh government's pledges to coordinate aid deliveries, most affected families have received little to no support, save for a one-time supply of rations from local non-governmental organizations or volunteers. The lack of financial assistance and the uncertainty of their future have left these communities in a state of despair.

Compounding Crises: The Lingering Impact of Previous Floods

The current crisis is further exacerbated by the devastating floods that struck Sindh province in 2022, which destroyed or damaged nearly two million houses. In response, the government, with the backing of international donors, set up a fund to help rebuild many of those homes. However, the progress has been slow, with only 100,000 houses rebuilt and 500,000 under construction.For those who have received support to rebuild, the relief is short-lived, as they now face the daunting prospect of having to rebuild yet again. Jameelan Nour Mohammed's experience is a testament to the relentless nature of these disasters, "Why should I build it again and again if the floods will come again in a year?"The education of at least 230,000 children has also been disrupted due to the flood damage, further compounding the challenges faced by these communities. As they struggle to recover from the latest disaster, the specter of future floods looms large, leaving them in a state of perpetual uncertainty and vulnerability.

A Clarion Call for Climate Justice and Urgent Action

The plight of the flood-affected communities in Sindh province serves as a stark reminder of the human rights consequences of climate change. Amnesty International's Crisis Response Programme Director, Scott Edwards, aptly summarized the situation, "Climate change is not a tentative threat; lives are being lost today to global inaction and inadequate humanitarian response."The international community and the Pakistani authorities must heed this call for action and urgently address the needs of these marginalized communities. Providing access to adequate healthcare, food, and housing is not only a moral imperative but also a legal obligation under international human rights instruments ratified by Pakistan.Moreover, the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases, who bear the greatest responsibility for climate change-related disasters, must take immediate steps to phase out fossil fuels and minimize the harmful effects of their actions on human rights. The time for empty promises and inaction has long passed; the lives of thousands hang in the balance.As Amnesty International prepares to publish a major report in 2025 documenting the effects of climate change on marginalized communities in Pakistan, the urgent need for a comprehensive, rights-based approach to climate action has never been more apparent. The world must heed the cries of the forgotten victims and act swiftly to prevent further suffering and loss of life.
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