A Summer of Torrential Monsoon Rains Affects Millions, Particularly Around the Indus River

Unprecedented Flooding in Pakistan

Since mid-June 2022, Pakistan has faced extreme monsoon rains resulting in the worst flooding the country has seen in a decade. According to Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority, over 33 million people have been affected, with more than 1 million houses destroyed or damaged. Tragically, at least 1,100 people have lost their lives due to floodwaters that have inundated tens of thousands of square kilometers across the nation.

Satellite Imagery and Flood Impact

The false-color images from the Operational Land Imagers aboard the Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 satellites, captured on August 4 and 28, highlight the extent of the flooding. These images use shortwave infrared, near-infrared, and red light to distinguish flood waters, which appear deep blue, beyond their natural channels.

The Indus River Regions

The worst flooding occurred along the Indus River, severely impacting the provinces of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh. Balochistan and Sindh have received five to six times their 30-year average rainfall this year, primarily from the summer monsoon rains.

The River Indus as seen before the devastating floods of 2022, captured on 4 August 2022.

Devastating Losses

The floods have caused widespread devastation across Pakistan:

Infrastructure: Approximately 150 bridges and 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) of roads have been destroyed.

Agriculture: Over 700,000 livestock and 2 million acres of crops and orchards have been lost.

Displacement: More than 500,000 people have been displaced.

Conclusion

The monsoon floods of 2022 have left an indelible mark on Pakistan, impacting millions and causing significant destruction. As the country works to recover, the resilience and strength of its people are crucial in rebuilding and moving forward.

Indus River flood 2022

Pakistan monsoon rains

Extreme flooding Pakistan

Flood impact Indus River

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Punjab flood 2022

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa flood

Balochistan floods

Flood damage Pakistan

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Satellite imagery flood

Landsat flood images

Flood-affected areas Pakistan

Pakistan disaster management

Agricultural loss Pakistan

Infrastructure damage floods

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The River Indus after the devastating floods of 2022, captured on 30 August 2022, showing extensive flooding and its impact on the surrounding areas.

Rohri District Sukkur: Floods Impacting Lives and Infrastructure

Widespread Flooding in Sukkur

Nearly 70% of Sukkur remains submerged under rainwater due to heavy rainfall and a collapsed drainage system, severely impacting both urban and rural areas.

Nearly 70% of Sukkur, Sindh's third largest city, remains submerged under rainwater due to the collapse of the drainage system. Heavy rains have led to flooding in Old Sukkur, New Pind, Shalimar, Barrage Road, Rohri, Salah Pat, Khandra, Dadonko, Patni, Pano Akil, and even village fields. Both urban and rural areas are affected, with Station Road, Ghanta Ghar, Hussain Road, and other business districts underwater.

Severe Impact Across Sindh

Seventeen districts in Sindh province have been severely affected by floods, resulting in 141 deaths, including 66 children, and around 500 injuries. The flooding has displaced over 500,000 people, destroyed thousands of homes, and damaged many roads. Additionally, more than 600,000 acres of agricultural land have been impacted.

Rohri District

Sukkur floods

Sindh flooding

Flood impact

Drainage system collapse

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Heavy rains in Sindh

Old Sukkur

New Pind flooding

Shalimar floods

Barrage Road floods

Urban flooding Sukkur

Rural flooding Sindh

Infrastructure damage

Agricultural impact Sindh

Flood deaths Sindh

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Polio Alert in Sukkur: Vaccination is Crucial

 KARACHI: Divisional Commissioner Sukkur, Fayyaz Hussain Abbasi, has confirmed the detection of the polio virus in an environmental sample from Sukkur and a polio case in Shikarpur.

Importance of Vaccination Abbasi stressed the critical need for vaccinating children with two drops of the polio vaccine to prevent the virus. He highlighted that Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries still affected by polio, and Sukkur's central location puts it at heightened risk.

Current Polio Cases This year, Balochistan has reported over 12 polio cases, with many people traveling to Sukkur. In Sindh, three cases have been reported: two from Karachi and one from Shikarpur.

Upcoming Polio Campaign Abbasi urged parents to ensure their children receive polio vaccinations during the upcoming campaign from September 9 to 15.

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Dear Parents and Guardians,

We understand that there are many concerns and misconceptions about the polio vaccine. However, we want to assure you that the polio vaccine is halal and safe for your children. Vaccinating your children with just two drops can prevent them from contracting this life-threatening virus.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries still struggling with polio, and we must take every step possible to protect our children. Let's not allow unfounded rumors to put our children's health at risk. By participating in the upcoming polio campaign from September 9 to 15, we can ensure a healthier future for all.

Let's work together to make polio a thing of the past. Your cooperation and commitment to vaccinating your children will make a significant difference.

Stay informed, stay safe, and protect your children from polio.

Doctor Holding Polio Vaccine

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