Pakistan: Monsoon 2024 Flash Update #7 - Latest Monsoon Developments and Response Efforts, as of 02 September 2024

This report is produced by OCHA Pakistan, covering the period from 1 July to 01 September 2024.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Sindh reported a significant increase in displacement within Sanghar district. As of 1 September, 14,404 individuals were displaced, including 3,299 men, 3,578 women, and 7,527 children. Of these, 2,627 individuals comprising 429 men, 571 women, and 1,627 children took refuge in relief camps established by the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The remaining displaced individuals are staying with relatives in the Badin, Matari, and Sanghar districts.
  • In Punjab province, 142 relief points were established to provide assistance to approximately 2,000 affected families. A strong spell of monsoon rain is anticipated in the tribal areas of Dera Ghazi Khan from 02-07 September, which may result in severe flash floods in Rajanpur and DG Khan.
  • The PDMA Balochistan has declared Killa Saifullah and Jhall Magsi districts as calamity-hit areas, in addition to the 10 districts already listed (Kalat, Ziarat, Sohbatput, Lasbela, Awaran, Kachhi, Jaffarabad, Usta Muhammad, Loralai, and Chagai). To date, Balochistan province has declared 12 districts as calamity-hit.
  • Cumulative data from 01 July to 01 September reveals a substantial increase in both losses and damages in the affected provinces. With a total of 306 deaths reported (101 men, 50 women, and 155 children), over 50% of the deaths are among children, highlighting their vulnerability in this situation. A total of 584 injured (226 men, 146 women, and 212 children). The flooding has caused extensive damage to infrastructure and livelihood, with a total of 20, 646 infrastructures damaged, and 45 bridges damaged, while 767 livestock perished. Source: NDMA

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Sindh Province

Education sector data showed the recent monsoon rains and flooding disrupted the education of 72,399 children (44,601 boys and 27,798 girls) in Sindh province. Notably, 1,618 school buildings and facilities have been damaged, including 556 schools logged in flood waters, 133 schools destroyed, 746 partially damaged schools, and 183 temporary learning centers (TLCs) were also damaged. The Department of Education will prioritize the construction of the temporary learning centers and child-friendly spaces in the affected schools in 15 districts of Sindh province.

In Khairpur district, flooding had a significant impact on the lives of the affected people. In Katcha (riverbank) areas, through OCHA advocacy, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has recognized the need for immediate assistance to 25,000 families in the form of food, livelihood, shelter repair, infrastructure repair, temporary learning centers, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, and non-food items (NFIs).

Balochistan Province

Twelve districts were declared by the PDMA as calamity-hit areas affecting 109,602 people, with 42,203 in Sohbatpur and 45,664 in Jaffarabad districts. Approximately 58,789 acres of cultivated land, including crops such as rice, tomatoes, chickpeas, sorghum, and other vegetables, have been washed away. The disruption has also significantly impacted the on livestock. Immediate needs consist of WASH, sanitation facilities, shelter, hygiene kits, de-watering of the stagnant water, unconditional food assistance for the most affected and vulnerable households, drinking water (tankering) and medical camps as population is prone to contagious diseases, cash assistance for small farmers and livestock fodder for livelihoods restoration.

In a recent assessment conducted by humanitarian partners, in Jaffarabad, Naseerabad, and Usta Muhammad districts, the primary cause of the flooding in these areas was the breach of canals that were unable to withstand the pressure of the continuous and intense rainfall. The volume of water overwhelmed the region's canal system, integral to its agricultural activities, leading to multiple breaches. The canals, designed for irrigation purposes, were not equipped to handle the extreme weather conditions. The heavy rainfall led to the rapid overflow of these canals, which, in turn, caused breaches at several points. Often, the canal banks' weak sections, either due to insufficient previous maintenance or erosion, served as the breach points.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP)

The monsoon triggered weather-related incidents across KP, leading to significant casualties and damages. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, from 01 July to 02 September 2024, heavy rainfall and flash floods caused 88 deaths, 132 injuries, and the loss of 147 cattle. Reportedly, 963 houses and 85 other structures, including seven schools were damaged.

In Dir Upper district, flash floods destroyed one house, tragically resulting in the loss of 12 lives, including 8 children, 3 women, and 1 man. District authorities anticipate further damage and are concerned about the growing risk of food insecurity in the area.