Pakistani authorities and health experts are warning about the increased risk of cholera outbreaks due to the catastrophic floods that have affected over 6 million people in the country since late June. The floods, caused by a heavier-than-usual monsoon, have killed over 1,000 people, damaged more than 12,500 houses, displaced over 2 million people, and destroyed crops across the nation. As a result, affected areas are highly susceptible to waterborne diseases like cholera.
Cholera is a bacterial infection that spreads through contaminated food and water, leading to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. It can be fatal within hours if left untreated. However, with simple oral rehydration or antibiotics, lives can be saved.
The rise in displacement camps has raised concerns about unhygienic conditions, which can increase the risk of infections, according to infectious disease specialist Dr. Shobha Luxmi. Access to clean water, hygiene, and nutritional support should be prioritized in relief efforts. The British Red Cross warns of inadequate toilet facilities and hand-washing facilities in shelters,/public buildings, or emergency camps, allowing diseases like dysentery and cholera to spread rapidly.
Climate change is also considered one of the factors contributing to the floods in Pakistan. The country ranks among the top 10 most climate-vulnerable nations, despite contributing less than 1% of global emissions. In 2022, extensive flooding affected 33 million people, killed over 1,700, and caused $14.8 billion worth of damages. In 2023, more floods affected thousands, and a heatwave killed almost 600 people.
The gradual rise in temperatures is also causing the melting of glaciers in Pakistan, increasing the risk of flooding, infrastructure damage, loss of life and land, threats to communities, and water scarcity.
Amnesty International has highlighted the failure of Pakistan’s healthcare and disaster response systems to meet the needs of children and older people, who are most at risk of death and disease due to extreme weather events related to climate change. The organization emphasizes that rising temperatures expose children and older people to extreme heat and floods, leading to disproportionate levels of death and disease. Pakistan’s healthcare system is woefully underfunded and overstretched, and the climate emergency adds extra strain, making it unable to deliver adequate care to those in need.
The article was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/9/23/pakistan-floods-spark-cholera-fears-amid-other-rising-health-risks?traffic_source=rss
