ISLAMABAD, Sept 23 – As devastating floods continue to hit Pakistan, health experts have warned of a looming cholera outbreak and other public health crises unless immediate preventive steps are taken.
Since late June, heavy monsoon rains and floods have affected over 6 million people, according to the United Nations, leaving many displaced and living in overcrowded emergency camps with poor sanitation.
“Inadequate access to clean water, proper toilets, and hygiene facilities is a recipe for disaster,” warned Dr. Shobha Luxmi, an infectious disease specialist. She emphasized the urgent need for oral rehydration, antibiotics, clean water, and nutrition support to prevent large-scale illness.
The British Red Cross reported a lack of handwashing facilities in shelters, making conditions ripe for the rapid spread of cholera, dysentery, and other waterborne diseases.
Amnesty International highlighted that children and older people are facing disproportionate risks as climate change intensifies floods and heatwaves. “Pakistan’s underfunded healthcare system is collapsing under the weight of this crisis,” said Laura Mills from Amnesty’s crisis response programme.
Relief agencies have urged the government to strengthen healthcare response, ensure safe drinking water, and provide adequate sanitation infrastructure to prevent a public health disaster.