Sindh still lurking in shadows after the massive rainfall and floods: Part-1

A tsunamic deluge of monsoon rains threatened Pakistan once again, floods have affected another 7.4million people this year, while twenty million people are still struggling to cope with the devastation caused by last year’s calamity. The scale of the disaster
and the aid response is less than last year, but the misery for those affected is just as real and the repercussions will be much greater. Millions who were already displaced have once again lost their livelihoods, crops and livestock and now thousands of
men, women and children face the same reality. Food security in Sindh has significantly worsened as result of the recent food price hikes, poor farming inputs and yield, and floods which is said to be the “wheat basket” of the country

Heavy monsoon rains this year have caused widespread damage to over a million acres of land, primarily in the southern province of Sindh and have affected 20,000 people over 20 districts in Baluchistan. Badin is the worst affected district in the Sindh,
with over 6000 villages left under water.

To date, 23 districts of Sindh have been severely affected by flooding, inundating 4 million acres of land including 1.7 million acres of agricultural land, resulting in the destruction of 80 percent of cash crops and over 130 billion rupees in losses. 80
percent of banana, dates, chili, sugar cane and especially cotton crop (equivalent of 2.3 million bales) have been destroyed.

Been similar, dealing another severe blow to thousands of livelihoods. That in turn may give rise to massive food shortage and food insecurity and the amount of time it will take to regain use of agricultural land will cost the economy greatly.

The capacity of people of Badin to maintain adequate food consumption and re-establish livelihoods has been further constrained due to numerous challenges including destruction of roads, no employments due to floods, soaring costs of transportation, and
poorly-functioning markets. Badin stands now at the most vulnerable point. Crops in Badin have reportedly been completely destroyed. To rebuild their livelihoods, people need interventions that could enable them to use their skills of farming to improve their
living.

Since food is prioritized, compromises are made on other basic needs, such as health and education. The assessment studies by various National, International, and UN agencies have identified a large number of unassisted people nationwide suffering after
the unprecedented impact of floods and massive agricultural losses. Relief Pakistan’s own assessment has also contributed in the results that show significant needs identified in the fields of food and agriculture.

To be continued…..