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1 1 (September 12, 2022)

handle is hein.crs/goveitj0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Congressional Research Service informing the Iegislative debate since 1914 S September 12, 2022 Pakistan's 2022 Floods and Implications for U.S. Interests Overview In mid-June 2022, at the beginning of monsoon season, heavy rains began flooding areas of Pakistan. Estimates range from double to several times the normal monsoon rainfall. By late August, flooding had worsened to historic and catastrophic levels, reportedly affecting more than 33 million people, injuring at least 13,000 and killing more than 1,300. With more than one-third of the country reportedly submerged, agricultural losses appear to be extensive, affecting housing, infrastructure, and livelihoods. Pakistan's government has estimated the cost of flood damage at $30 billion and cut its projected annual economic growth for this fiscal year from 5% to 3%. Successive U.S. Administrations have described a stable, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan as critical to U.S. interests. This crisis may have U.S. security implications. Responding to this disaster is taxing a Pakistani government already struggling with political upheaval, worsening economic and debt crises, unsettled civil-military relations, and rising public discontent. Regional stability and efforts to counter militancy and terrorism are U.S. concerns; both may face negative impacts from the current crises. For example, following 2010 flooding, some banned Pakistani terrorist groups apparently were at the forefront of rural relief efforts and could gain popular support through such activities; Pakistan's government denies that any banned groups are involved in flood relief in 2022. Congress may wish to consider whether or not U.S. assistance in response to the catastrophic floods would serve U.S. interests, including economic and security objectives. Flood Damage-Initial Assessments Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the lead federal agency for disaster relief coordination, including relief operations supported by Pakistan's army, navy, and air force. So far, the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan appear most affected (see Figure 1). As of September 9, 2022, the NDMA is reporting the following damage due to flooding since June 14, 2022: 1,396 persons killed (39% Sindh, 20% Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or KP, 21% Balochistan, 14% Punjab) and 12,728 injured; Affected population: more than 33 million (44% Sindh, 28% Balochistan, 13% KP, 15% Punjab); Rescued population: 177,265 (43% Punjab, 39% KP) Population in official government of Pakistan displacement sites: 663,869 (87% Sindh); Livestock deaths: more than 750,000 (67% Balochistan, 27% Punjab); Damaged homes: more than 1.7 million (87% Sindh); * Damaged roads: more than 4,100 miles (39% Sindh, 24% KP, 23% Balochistan); damaged bridges: 269 (40% KP, 26% Gilgit-Baltistan, 23% Sindh). Figure I. Homes Damaged in Pakistan's 2022 Flooding (as of September I, 2022) Source: U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Hurmanitarian Needs Pakistan's affected populations reportedly are in dire need of relief supplies, including shelter, food, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Experts say that floods are likely to exacerbate food availability across the country, particularly for those already experiencing food insecurity. More than 600,000 people have taken refuge in official Government of Pakistan displacement sites, but the number of people displaced without shelter is likely much higher. The United Nations (U.N.) reports that, of those displaced, many are staying as close to their homes and the affected areas as possible due to concerns that lack of land ownership documentation could prevent future returns. In many affected areas the humanitarian response has been hampered by damaged roads and bridges. Humanitarian organizations assert that maternal health and protection from gender-based violence are also of concern, as well as an increased risk of vector-borne disease (such as malaria) and water-borne disease (including diarrhea and cholera) along with threats from venomous wildlife such as poisonous snakes. The floods also may exacerbate preexisting outbreaks of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and other medical conditions, particularly as vaccine campaigns are suspended and access to care is limited. National and International Responses Government of Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he intends to set up a National Flood Response and Coordination Center to facilitate a multiagency response in coordination with the NDMA. So far, the government has established 147 camps for populations displaced by the floods. Pakistan is planning to provide cash assistance to

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