Devastating floods in Pakistan
One year after historic floods devastated Pakistan, UNICEF remains on the ground, working with partners to help children and families.
Last updated: 25 August 2023
One year after unprecedented floods ravaged Pakistan, millions of children still need humanitarian assistance and access to essential services.
Many of the hardest-hit districts were among the most vulnerable in the country, where children already suffered from high malnutrition, poor access to water and sanitation, and low school enrollment. The loss of vital infrastructure – including thousands of schools and public health facilities – deepened pre-existing inequities, leaving children even more at risk of hunger and disease.
UNICEF has been on the ground with partners since day one of the emergency response, and remains committed to supporting families still affected by the devastation.
We need your urgent support to help save lives:
What happened?
The 2022 floods submerged one third of the country, affecting 33 million people, half of whom were children. The floods damaged most of the water systems in affected areas, forcing more than 5.4 million people to rely solely on contaminated water from ponds and wells.
Unsafe water and poor sanitation are key underlying causes of malnutrition. Associated diseases, such as diarrhoea, prevent children from getting the vital nutrients they need. When children become malnourished, their weakened immune systems make them even more susceptible to waterborne diseases, perpetuating a vicious cycle of malnutrition and infection.
How UNICEF is supporting children in Pakistan
Since August 2022, UNICEF and partners have reached 3.6 million people with primary health-care services; enabled access to safe water for 1.7 million people in areas where water networks were damaged or destroyed; reached over 545,000 children and caregivers with mental health and psychosocial support; and supported education for over 258,000 children. UNICEF has also screened more than 2 million children for severe acute malnutrition and admitted over 170,000 children for life-saving treatment.
Still, the needs continue to outstrip the resources required to respond.
Your contribution can help UNICEF reach more children and families with life-saving supplies.
