Pakistan has witnessed worst torrential rains and flooding this year. The country received rainfall equivalent to three times more than the national 30-year average which is termed as a grave manifestation of climate change induced disaster. It is important to note that Pakistan being a negligible contributor to the overall carbon footprint, is still among the top ten countries that are vulnerable to climate change, according to the Embassy of Pakistan in Romania.
The recent floods have impacted more than 33 million people particularly in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan. The unprecedented devastation claimed over 1,300 lives including children, more than 12,000 people have been injured and over 1.7 million houses have been damaged. In addition, over 750,000 livestock have perished and 2 million acres of crops have been adversely impacted. The flooding also caused severe damage to infrastructure including damage to over 6500 Kms of road and 246 bridges. Keeping in view the massive destruction caused by the flooding, the Government of Pakistan has created a new authority namely, National Flood Response Coordination Centre (NRFCC) to deal with the dire situation.
The United Nations has launched a Flash Appeal on 30 August simultaneously in Geneva and Islamabad. The Government of Pakistan and the United Nations jointly launched 2022 Pakistan Floods Response Plan. With a view to express solidarity with the Government and people of Pakistan braving a colossal climate-induced natural disaster caused by unprecedented rains and floods across the country, the UN Secretary General was on a visit to Pakistan on 9-10 September 2022. During his visit, Secretary-General oversaw UN’s humanitarian response work in support of the Government’s rescue and relief efforts for millions of affected people.
The Government of Pakistan has established Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2022 for financial support, having the following banking details:
Title of Account: Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund-2022
Account No. 4181048973
IBAN: PK92 NBPA 0002 0041 8104 8973
SWIF CODE: NBPAPKKAMBR
Branch details: Main Branch, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Karachi (0002) Support and assistance from all those who can is of great importance during this humanitarian catastrophe. Any assistance to mitigate the effects of the disaster and to help the victims would be highly appreciated.
Embassy of Pakistan in Romania