Record flooding in Pakistan has killed thousands and affected nearly 20 million of its residents. Two weeks ago, monsoon rains created massive floods that began in the country's mountainous region in the northwest. Since then, the floods have continued to spread throughout Pakistan, leaving about one-fifth of the country underwater.
In southern regions of the country, banks along the Indus River continue to burst and sweep away entire villages. Roughly 28 million liters of water per second is making its way into certain areas of Pakistan. The Pakistan Navy is conducting emergency aid missions to the most devastated towns and villages, but its aid is minimal and will only last the displaced a few days. Millions are without food, shelter and clean water, causing desperation to set in among those in need.
The World Bank has stepped forth and will provide Pakistan with $900 billion in aid relief. With the potential for more flooding, and the spread of disease beginning to kill residents, aid from the rest of the world is crucial to Pakistan's recovery efforts which will continue well into the fall.
Quotes
"We are rescuing people in the nation. We are providing the relief." -Captain Shahab, Pakistan Navy
"Those that have escaped the wrath of the water have found yet more misery in makeshift camps, with the intense heat equally unforgiving and little food to eat." -Saima Mohsin, PBS NewsHour special correspondent
"Everything has been damaged, everything. The entire village has collapsed into the water." -Jamil Jatoi
Warm Up Questions
1. Where is Pakistan located in the world?
2. What is a natural disaster?
3. What caused the massive floods in Pakistan?
Discussion Questions
1. Why is a quick response time crucial to the relief efforts immediately following a natural disaster?
2. Give a few examples of "relief aid" that would be helpful to those displaced by the floods in Pakistan.
3. Can you think of some natural disasters that have affected the United States? In what ways were they similar to the Pakistan floods? How were they different?
Additional Resources
What's Behind This Summer's Severe Weather Around the World?
In Rural Pakistan, Flood Victims Feeling Abandoned by Government
