Climate Catastrophe in Pakistan

After witnessing the worst hit regions of the flood-ravaged country, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reported, “I have seen many humanitarian disasters in the world, but I have never seen climate carnage on this scale, I have simply no words to describe what I have seen here in Pakistan.”

Since the monsoon season began in Pakistan in mid-June, the country has experienced about three times more rain than the national 30-year average. This has led to severe flooding and landslides that have impacted more than 33 million people, with rain forecasted to continue throughout September.

While numbers are expected to rise, to date the flooding and landslides have caused:

  • At least 1,300 deaths and more than 12,500 injuries
  • Damage to 3,150 miles of road and more than 240 bridges
  • The destruction of over 3.6 million acres of crops
  • The loss of 750,000 livestock
  • Damage or destruction to at least 1.4 million houses

A third of Pakistan is underwater, but the impacts of this disaster are expected to affect all corners of the country. Pakistan is now predicted to experience an economic loss of $12.5 billion, with inflation projected to reach a record high of 30 percent by the end of the year.

Hand-in-hand with the loss of homes, public buildings, and crops comes the loss of income earning opportunities, with the most vulnerable families expected to experience mounting levels of food insecurity and poverty. There is also an elevated risk of the spread of malaria, dengue fever, and other diseases. In addition, with hundreds of thousands displaced and with few options for shelter, gender-based violence is expected to increase.

Millions of Pakistanis need emergency food right now. People need clean water, food, shelter, and health care. You can help bring food, water, shelter, and health care to those most severely affected by this disaster. As a member of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, World Renew is participating in the Humanitarian Coalition Pakistan Flood appeal. All Canadian donations made between August 1, 2022 and September 28, 2022 will be matched 1:1, up to $3 million. Please share Christ’s hope with the people of Pakistan today!

Please keep Pakistan in your prayers

  • Pray for God’s comfort for Pakistani families who have lost loved ones to this disaster.
  • Pray for wisdom for the Pakistani government to quickly and effectively address the needs of the people impacted most.
  • Pray for provision for families who have lost homes, property, and opportunities to earn income because of this disaster.
  • Pray for the calming of weather systems around the world and an end to extreme climatic events that cause suffering.
  • Pray that global leaders will take steps to address practices that contribute to climate change.

  • Pray for God’s guidance for humanitarian organizations working on the ground in Pakistan to share Christ’s hope through emergency food and non-food items.