Pakistan reels from deadly floods

By Nathan Morley

Devastating rains in the country have ruined crops and disrupted supplies, leading to an inevitable rise in food prices.

There is little doubt that these are the worst floods in decades, and more than 1,000 people are known to have been killed, whilst damage to homes and infrastructure will likely run into billions of dollars.

The Agriculture Ministry says losses in the key farming sector are still to be fully assessed.

As it stands, an estimated 33 million Pakistanis - the equivalent of one in seven people – have been affected by the flooding which covers over 95,000 square miles of land.

Pakistanis have become used to the annual monsoon, with its immense rainfall, which usually lasts from June to September.

However, local officials have been straightforward in blaming this catastrophe directly on climate change, which they say is ironic given Pakistan only contributes about one percent of carbon emissions.

On the ground there is a huge need for medical care in the country, especially given the possibility of waterborne diseases spreading. However, the United Nations refugee agency has reportedly already started delivering the first aid supplies.

Meanwhile, the UN children's fund UNICEF has warned that the "dangerous humanitarian situation in the coming days and weeks" would deteriorate further, as heavy rains are expected in regions that are already under water.