Read at 3 different speeds

Pakistan floods - 16th September 2022

Floods in Pakistan have killed over 1,400 people. This natural disaster has cost the country $10 billion. The government and the United Nations are calling for help. 

The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes the situation in Pakistan as an emergency. Its leader, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says that millions of people need help immediately. 

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: "More than 1000 deaths have been reported, and almost 900 health facilities have been damaged. Three quarters of Pakistan's districts and 33 million people have been affected, with more than 6 million in dire need of humanitarian aid."

Large parts of Pakistan are flooded. Many people had to be saved by helicopter. Irfan Ali was in flood waters for two weeks. 

Irfan Ali: "We were stuck in the flood water for 15 days, we waved towards the helicopter, then we were rescued by the forces."

Homes and farms have been destroyed by the floods and there's little food. Imran Ali and his family are depending on this camp to eat. 

Imran Ali: "We have been here for 15 days, we have no problem here, we are getting food and drink every day and apart from that, we are also getting ration. We are thankful to the district administration and forces."

Pakistan's rainy season was longer than usual this year. Scientists say climate change is responsible for this extreme weather. Pakistan has low levels of pollution. But it's experiencing natural disasters caused by climate change. 

Recently, many countries have been experiencing extreme weather. Tedros Ghebreyesus wants all countries to take serious action against climate change. 

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: "Floods in Pakistan, drought and famine in the Greater Horn of Africa, and more frequent and intense cyclones in the Pacific and Caribbean all point to the urgent need for action against the existential threat of climate change."