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 10th, 2023
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces
Date: | 12-Feb-2023 | Reference: | View Original Link |
---|