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Pakistan

As Pakistan Seeks Flood Relief, PM Sharif Makes Appeal To Fight Climate Change

Updated
Women carry belongings salvaged from their flooded home after monsoon rains in Sindh Province on September 6.
Women carry belongings salvaged from their flooded home after monsoon rains in Sindh Province on September 6.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has told a visiting U.S. diplomat in Islamabad that the world must intensify its fight against climate change as the country grapples with an environmental and humanitarian crisis amid record flooding.

Meanwhile, in the southern Sindh Province and other hard-hit regions, Pakistanis were still fleeing their homes or battling to bolster dykes and erect other makeshift measures on September 8 as floodwaters continued to threaten major swaths of the country.

Sharif's office said he made the plea to the State Department's Derek Chollet, with Pakistan and the international community still mobilized to help tens of millions of Pakistanis affected by monsoon flooding that is thought to have submerged as much as a third of the country.

In Pictures: Pakistan's Lethal Floods

The rains that began in June have destroyed swaths of vital crops and damaged or destroyed more than a million homes, such as these in Balochistan Province.
1/18 The rains that began in June have destroyed swaths of vital crops and damaged or destroyed more than a million homes, such as these in Balochistan Province.
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
A woman salvages her belongings near a makeshift home surrounded by water in Sohbatpur.
2/18 A woman salvages her belongings near a makeshift home surrounded by water in Sohbatpur.
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
Because roads and bridges like this one in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province are being washed away, authorities and NGOs are finding it difficult to reach more than 33 million people affected by the floods.
3/18 Because roads and bridges like this one in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Province are being washed away, authorities and NGOs are finding it difficult to reach more than 33 million people affected by the floods.
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
With dry land limited, displaced people like this man in Mehar are seeking elevated positions to escape the flooded plains.
4/18 With dry land limited, displaced people like this man in Mehar are seeking elevated positions to escape the flooded plains.
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
"We don't even have space to cook food. We need help," Rimsha Bibi, a schoolgirl in Dera Ghazi Khan in central Pakistan, told the AFP news agency.
5/18 "We don't even have space to cook food. We need help," Rimsha Bibi, a schoolgirl in Dera Ghazi Khan in central Pakistan, told the AFP news agency.
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
The summer monsoon season often brings with it torrential rains that are needed for agriculture in areas such as Dera Allah Yar, in Balochistan.
6/18 The summer monsoon season often brings with it torrential rains that are needed for agriculture in areas such as Dera Allah Yar, in Balochistan.
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
However, this years monsoons have caused widespread misery, killing hundreds of people and devastating livestock and crops.
7/18 However, this years monsoons have caused widespread misery, killing hundreds of people and devastating livestock and crops.
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
Pakistani officials have blamed climate change, which is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather around the world, for the destruction in areas such as the city of Sohbat Pur (pictured) in Baluchistan Province.<br /> &nbsp;
8/18 Pakistani officials have blamed climate change, which is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather around the world, for the destruction in areas such as the city of Sohbat Pur (pictured) in Baluchistan Province.
 
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
Compared to more affluent countries, Pakistan emits only a fraction of the greenhouse gases that are warming the world, yet it suffers outsized damage.&nbsp;
9/18 Compared to more affluent countries, Pakistan emits only a fraction of the greenhouse gases that are warming the world, yet it suffers outsized damage. 
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
For families such as this one in Sohbatpur, in southwestern Balochistan Province, the nonstop rains have raised the possibility of food shortages during what is expected to be the most damaging monsoon season in recent memory.
10/18 For families such as this one in Sohbatpur, in southwestern Balochistan Province, the nonstop rains have raised the possibility of food shortages during what is expected to be the most damaging monsoon season in recent memory.
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
&quot;To see the devastation on the ground is really mind-boggling,&quot; Pakistani Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman told AFP.
11/18 "To see the devastation on the ground is really mind-boggling," Pakistani Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman told AFP.
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
&quot;When we send in water pumps, they say &#39;Where do we pump the water?&#39; It&#39;s all one big ocean, there&#39;s no dry land to pump the water out.&quot;&nbsp;Rehman added.
12/18 "When we send in water pumps, they say 'Where do we pump the water?' It's all one big ocean, there's no dry land to pump the water out." Rehman added.
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
An overview shows fields and homes along the Indus River before flooding, in Rojhan on March 24.
13/18 An overview shows fields and homes along the Indus River before flooding, in Rojhan on March 24.
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
The same location showing the Indus River during flooding on August 28.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Pakistan&#39;s meteorological office says the country as a whole had been deluged with twice the usual monsoon rainfall, but Balochistan and Sindh provinces had seen more than four times the average of the last three decades.
14/18 The same location showing the Indus River during flooding on August 28. 

Pakistan's meteorological office says the country as a whole had been deluged with twice the usual monsoon rainfall, but Balochistan and Sindh provinces had seen more than four times the average of the last three decades.
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
The disaster could not have come at a worse time for Pakistan, where the economy is in free fall and an already struggling population are now lining up to receive food delivered by the Pakistani Army.
15/18 The disaster could not have come at a worse time for Pakistan, where the economy is in free fall and an already struggling population are now lining up to receive food delivered by the Pakistani Army.
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
The floods have made Pakistan&#39;s already dire need for international assistance worse. The government is attempting to help by compensating individuals who have been impacted, like these women in Sukkur, Sindh Province.<br /> &nbsp;
16/18 The floods have made Pakistan's already dire need for international assistance worse. The government is attempting to help by compensating individuals who have been impacted, like these women in Sukkur, Sindh Province.
 
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
Woman and children eat food distributed by a charity in Sukkur, Sindh Province.<br /> <br /> In the midst of the massive flooding, international aid has started to arrive in Pakistan. On August 28, cargo planes from Turkey and the United Arab Emirates arrived with tents, food, and other supplies.
17/18 Woman and children eat food distributed by a charity in Sukkur, Sindh Province.

In the midst of the massive flooding, international aid has started to arrive in Pakistan. On August 28, cargo planes from Turkey and the United Arab Emirates arrived with tents, food, and other supplies.
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
Flood victims stand next to their tents in Mehar on August 29.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the world to come to Pakistan&#39;s aid as he launched a $160 million appeal to help the tens of millions affected by the disaster.&nbsp; &quot;Let&#39;s stop sleepwalking towards the destruction of our planet by climate change. Today, it&#39;s Pakistan. Tomorrow, it could be your country,&quot; he said.&nbsp;
18/18 Flood victims stand next to their tents in Mehar on August 29. 

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the world to come to Pakistan's aid as he launched a $160 million appeal to help the tens of millions affected by the disaster.  "Let's stop sleepwalking towards the destruction of our planet by climate change. Today, it's Pakistan. Tomorrow, it could be your country," he said. 
The death toll from widespread flooding in Pakistan triggered by "monster monsoons" has surpassed 1,100 people and will lead to economic losses of at least $10 billion, officials in Islamabad said.
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Pakistani authorities confirmed hours earlier that the catastrophic flooding from torrential rains and glacial melting since mid-June has killed at least 1,355 people and affected 33 million more.

Islamabad said Chollet "affirmed that the United States would stand by Pakistan in the wake of this immense challenge, extend vital support, and help affected people rebuild their lives and communities."

Chollet told reporters that he discussed in meetings with Sharif and other officials how Washington could assist in Pakistan's rescue and relief operations, adding that there will soon be more announcements of U.S. aid.

U.S. President Joe Biden entered office in 2021 vowing to put America back into the lead to fight manmade climate change, and his signature legislation in the 19 months since then was a $750 billion bill that included the highest-ever funding for climate action.

The United States last week pledged $30 million in humanitarian and other Pakistani flood relief via its U.S. Agency for International Development, making it the single largest outside donor.

During his visit, Chollet also met with Pakistan's powerful army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, according to a military statement, as the Biden administration approved the resumption of a $450 million sale to Pakistan of equipment for F-16 aircraft maintenance.

Chollet called the sale, which had been on hold for years, a “step forward" in security relations between Washington and Islamabad. Pakistan had requested that U.S. continue the sale of aircraft equipment to sustain the F-16s that form the backbone of Pakistan's air defense.

“The proposed sale does not include any new capabilities, weapons, or munitions,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency of the Pentagon said in a separate statement.

The sale will improve Pakistan’s “ability to support counterterrorism operations,” the statement said, adding that it will “not alter the basic military balance in the region.”

Pakistan's response to the flooding, which highlighted the disproportionate effect of climate change on impoverished populations, will remain in focus this week.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described the devastation to Pakistan as a result of "epochal levels of rain and flooding" and urged international aid to help the country cope with the disaster.

Guterres arrived in Pakistan early on September 9 on a two-day visit aimed at expressing solidarity with Pakistan's government. His visit will include a tour of flood-ravaged areas from the air.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on September 7 of the widespread risk of disease due to the disruption of Pakistan's health system from the flooding.

In his appeal last week, the UN secretary-general urged the world: "Let's stop sleepwalking toward the destruction of our planet by climate change," adding, "Today, it's Pakistan. Tomorrow, it could be your country."

With reporting by AP and Reuters
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