Rebuilding from the ground up in the aftermath of Cyclone Yemyin

When Cyclone Yemyin tore into Northern Balochistan one month ago, it took only a short period of time before the village of Kuch Valari was completely submerged under raging torrents of muddy waters.

The powerful waters destroyed the Nari River dam, flooding two villages and shattering the lives of many farmers and their families. Balochistan and Sindh are two of the worst affected provinces in southern Pakistan. An estimated 2.5 million people have been affected there, with some 377,000 displaced.

Although waters continue to tumble down from the mountains, much of Kuch Valari’s population has returned home to begin piecing their lives back together. Many of the villagers’ mud dwellings and grain stores have been swept away while other homes are structurally unstable and will need to be rebuilt. The fields, which had promised a healthy harvest this year, were totally destroyed.

While no epidemics have been reported, diarrhoeal diseases and skin infections are on the rise. Several hundred thousand children under five are particularly at risk for infectious diseases caused by improper water and sanitation. UNICEF is now coordinating with the Government, UN agencies and other partners to ensure that children receive access to all essential services.Read Full Article...