Islamabad Islamabad– Pakistan is reeling from a second year of devastating monsoon rains which has left hundreds of people believed to be to be dead and a multitude of others suffering from the effects of the widespread flooding. Officials have confirmed that children make up the majority of deaths in the aftermath of collapsed houses along with swollen rivers and outbreaks of disease continue to kill people.

Human Toll Mounts

At the start of monsoon season villages in Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been submerged, forcing tens of thousands of people to flee their residences. There have been at least 100 deaths were reported and a harrowing amount of deaths occurring due to small children being drowned by floods or trapped in sagging mud homes.

Local hospitals are reporting an increase instances of illnesses that are water-borne like cholera malaria and diarrhea. The latter is especially affecting children and older. Aid workers warn that the crisis may worsen if urgent measures are implemented.

Infrastructure in Ruins

Bridges, roads, and agricultural land have been badly damaged, making relief operations more difficult. Whole crops were removed, which is threatening food security in already weakened areas. Power outages in the flood-stricken districts have caused families to be inaccessible to communication, or safe water.

Calls for Action

The authorities have deployed army for emergency and rescue missions and helicopters transporting families who are stranded to safety. Food parcels, tents, and medical equipment are distributed. However, aid agencies say the amount of the need is far greater than amount of resources that are currently accessible.

The experts from the climate field say Pakistan is one of the countries most susceptible to catastrophes caused by climate change while contributing only a small amount in global greenhouse gas emissions. They emphasize the fact that the unpredictable monsoons that are intensifying every year, call for the use of long-term adaption strategies that include stronger flood protection and sustainable urban development and early warning methods.

Children at the Center of the Crisis

Aid organizations note that children are most affected- losing their homes school, homes, and frequently, families. Many remain in a state of displacement, in temporary camps with no sanitation and safe drinking water. Psychologists warn of the long-lasting effects of emotional trauma for children who’ve endured years of climate change-driven disasters.