Even as rescue efforts continue, the devastating floods in Pakistan have claimed the lives of close to 1,300 people.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), 29 people have died in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities since June to 1,290, according to Geo News. A “humanitarian calamity of epic proportions” is ongoing in Pakistan, according to government organisations and private NGOs.
Large portions of the nation are still underwater, notably the southern provinces of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh. According to Geo News, at least 180 people have died, with Balochistan (125) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (138) following.
At least 1,468,019 homes have suffered partial or complete damage, and 736,459 animals have perished as a result of flooding.
A number of nations have sent aid, with the first humanitarian aid flight from France touching down in Islamabad on Saturday morning, according to Geo News.
The damage has been initially estimated at USD 10 billion, although inspections are still being carried out in conjunction with international organisations.
In all, 723,919 households have got 25,000 cash assistance (per family), according to Federal Minister of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Shazia Mari, and Rs 18.25 billion has been distributed.
Shehbaz Sharif’s introduction of the Benazir Income Support Program was made, “despite hurdles, within no time after that,” she remarked on Twitter.
Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal earlier today urged the international community to assist Pakistan and reassured the country that the government — backed by its functionaries — would leave “no stone unturned” to restore normalcy as soon as possible, according to Geo News. They were speaking at a press conference at the National Flood Response and Coordination Centre with military officials.
In Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Punjab, there are presently more than 500,000 people living in relief camps as a result of internal displacement.
