Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet
Get our free Climate email
An estimated 200,000 people in Pakistan could be affected by the upcoming monsoon season, which is expected to bring heavier rains than usual, a top UN official warned on Thursday. The United Nations, with help from local authorities, has prepared a contingency plan, with $40 million set aside to respond to any emergencies, said Mohamed Yahya, the newly appointed Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan.
Mr Yahya told journalists in Islamabad that the weather forecasters in Pakistan are projecting above-normal rainfall in the coming weeks. However, the rains would not be as heavy as in 2022 when devastating floods killed 1,739 people, destroyed 2 million homes, and covered as much as one-third of the country at one point.
Pakistan is one of the countries in the world most vulnerable to the climate crisis, and recent extreme weather events have highlighted the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation measures.
Analysts and government officials say Pakistan has faced significant setbacks in economic growth due to man-made disasters like droughts and floods, which have damaged critical infrastructure. Despite being a relatively low emitter of carbon, Pakistan faces disproportionate impacts of global climate change.
Mr Yahya emphasized the importance of preparedness and urged people to stay informed and take necessary precautions during extreme weather events to minimize risks.