Devastating Floods in Pakistan and Afghanistan Kill Nearly 140, Displace Hundreds of Thousands

Catastrophic floods have ravaged large parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan, claiming the lives of nearly 140 people and displacing hundreds of thousands more. The floods have worsened the already dire economic and humanitarian crisis in the region, with half of Afghanistan's population facing starvation.

In Pakistan, severe weather conditions in April 2024, including flash floods, landslides, and inclement weather, resulted in the deaths of at least 143 people. The northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province suffered the largest death toll, with 83 fatalities, including 38 children. More than 3,500 homes were damaged in the province. Hailstorms also damaged wheat harvests in parts of Punjab, Pakistan's most populous province.

Environmental experts attributed the unusual weather patterns to climate change, noting a shift in the agricultural calendar. "Climate change has emerged as a major challenge for Pakistan and other developing countries. Shifting weather patterns and increased frequency of extreme events are adversely impacting various socio-economic sectors, particularly agriculture," said Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute.

In Afghanistan, the floods have damaged or destroyed critical infrastructure, agricultural land, and livestock, severely impacting the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. Afghanistan is one of the world's most vulnerable countries to the impacts of climate change, and aid groups are now working to reach those affected by the floods before winter sets in.

Why this matters: The devastating floods in Pakistan and Afghanistan highlight the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations. As extreme weather events become more frequent and severe, it is essential for the international community to support vulnerable populations and invest in climate resilience measures.

The Pakistani government announced a reduction in petrol and diesel prices, following a recommendation from the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority. The government also appointed Rana Sanaullah, a close aide of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, as an adviser to the current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, indicating Nawaz Sharif's continued influence in the government. Additionally, the government decided to block mobile phone connections of over 500,000 individuals who had not filed their income tax returns for the 2023 tax year, as part of efforts to address the country's tax evasion issues.

Key Takeaways

• Catastrophic floods in Pakistan and Afghanistan claim 140+ lives, displace thousands.
• Floods worsen economic and humanitarian crisis, with half of Afghanistan facing starvation.
• Climate change blamed for unusual weather patterns, impacting agriculture and infrastructure.
• Pakistan government announces fuel price reduction, appoints Nawaz Sharif's aide as adviser.
• Pakistan to block mobile connections of 500,000+ individuals who didn't file taxes.