The UN is calling for $160 million (£136 million) in emergency funding to help Pakistan deal with the devastating floods.
More than 1,150 people were killed and nearly half a million displaced in this disaster.
“Pakistan United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a video message the launch of the appeal.
“The people of Pakistan are facing a steroid monsoon … everyone’s hopes and dreams have been washed away.”
The floods affected more than 33 million people, one in seven Pakistanis.
Pakistani authorities, supported by the army, rescuers and volunteers, are battling the aftermath of the floods.
Although rainfall stopped three days ago and floodwaters in some areas have receded, large areas remain underwater.
Rescuers are evacuating stranded people to safer ground, including makeshift tent camps that have sprung up along motorways, villages and towns.
According to initial government estimates, the devastation caused $10m (£8.5m) in damage to the economy, however, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said this was a rough estimate. set and the actual cost will be “much greater”.
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Laura Bundock examines some of the reasons for the current mass flooding in Pakistan and what it means for the future of the country.
On Monday, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund approved the issuance of $1.17 billion (£1 billion) to Pakistan.
It was part of a bailout deal that the IMF and Pakistan signed in 2019, but the release of the $1.17 billion bailout was delayed this year after the IMF raised concerns about Pakistan’s compliance. terms of the agreement under the government of Imran Khan.
Last week, the UN allocated $3 million (£2.5 million) to aid agencies and their partners to respond to floods, with the money being used for health services. , nutrition, food security, water and sanitation.
Pakistan’s Climate Minister Sherry Rehman on Monday said new monsoons are expected in September.
Although monsoons are common at this time of year in the region, they hit earlier than usual in Pakistan, according to officials.
The whole of Pakistan has been affected by the latest floods
Ms. Rehman said that last week’s heavy rainfall affected almost the entire country, and while Pakistan is used to monsoon rains and floods, it is not.
The floods are a sign of a natural disaster caused by climate change, experts say, but it is too early to blame global warming.
Abid Qaiyum Suleri, executive director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute and a member of Pakistan, said: “This year, Pakistan has received its highest rainfall in at least three decades. So far, the amount has been Rainfall is more than 780% above average. of the Climate Change Council of Pakistan.
“Extreme weather patterns are becoming more frequent in the region and Pakistan is no exception.”
A man swims in flood water while heading to higher ground in Charsadda
Mr. Suleri said Pakistan had seen similar floods and devastation in 2010 that killed nearly 2,000 people, but the government had not implemented a plan to prevent future floods by blocking construction. building and constructing houses in flood prone areas and river beds.
Floods and monsoon rains have damaged a million homes and affected 33 million people and reflect how poorer countries can often pay the price for climate change. caused by more industrialized nations.
Since 1959, Pakistan has been responsible for only 0.4% of the world’s historic CO2 emissions, while the US is responsible for 21.5%, China is 16.5% and the EU is 15%.
According to the National Disaster Management Agency, at least 498,000 people in the country of 220 million people are in relief camps after being displaced.
Nearly half a million people have been displaced by floods
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Many other displaced victims are said to be living with relatives, friends or in the open air, without shelter.
Pakistan started receiving international aid this week, and several planes carrying aid from Turkey and the United Arab Emirates landed at an airport near Islamabad on Tuesday, according to a statement by Pakistan. this country’s army.
They said Chinese planes carrying aid would arrive later on Tuesday and that 6,500 Pakistani troops had been deployed to help authorities in rescue and relief operations.
