Pakistan Faces Concerns Over Waterborne Diseases Following 'Flood Disaster'

116 Out of 154 Administrative Regions in Pakistan Affected by Heavy Rainfall
Disruption in Drinking Water Supply... Experts "About 5 Million People to Contract Diseases in 4-12 Weeks"

On the 24th (local time), a displaced family is seen carrying household items while passing through a flood-affected area in Zafarabad, Balochistan province, southwestern Pakistan. Pakistani authorities reported that since June, 903 people have died and 1,293 have been injured due to floods during the monsoon season.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoon Seul-gi] Following the devastating floods in Pakistan caused by heavy rains, concerns are growing over the spread of waterborne infectious diseases such as cholera. With various social infrastructures destroyed by the floods, displaced residents are facing exposure to contaminated water due to inadequate clean water supply.

According to recent reports from the Associated Press, Dr. Farhad Khan, who is providing medical support in the northwestern Pakistani city of Charsadda, stated, "Initially, we treated injuries, but now diarrhea is common." Charsadda is located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and has been severely affected by the recent floods.

The damage from the floods in Pakistan is extensive, with about one-third of the country submerged. On the 31st (local time), the WHO released a statement announcing that 116 out of 154 administrative districts in Pakistan, accounting for 75%, have been affected by the heavy rains. As of the 25th of last month, 33 million people have been displaced, with approximately 6.4 million urgently requiring humanitarian aid. So far, the death toll has exceeded 1,000, and the number of injured has reached 15,000.

The critical issue is that the severe flooding has paralyzed social infrastructure, disrupting the supply of clean drinking water and raising fears of infectious disease outbreaks. As of the 28th of last month, 888 healthcare facilities in Pakistan were damaged, with 180 completely destroyed. With no toilets and insufficient clean water supply, displaced residents are fully exposed to various infectious diseases such as severe diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and skin diseases.

Arif Jabar Khan, head of the Pakistan branch of WaterAid, an international water improvement support organization, who recently inspected flood damage in Sindh province, told the British daily The Guardian, "Displaced people have no other choice but to drink floodwater."

According to local media, experts predict that if this situation continues, about 5 million people could fall ill within 4 to 12 weeks. Pakistani authorities have also expressed concerns about the spread of waterborne diseases. Kamran Bangash, spokesperson for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said that while the evacuation of displaced residents is being completed and the focus is on food and water supply, "there are concerns about the outbreak of waterborne diseases."

Spokesperson Bangash added, "Hundreds of people in many areas of the province have already contracted related diseases," and emphasized, "We do not want those affected by the floods to suffer further."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.