Context
The flooding continues to affect more areas in the country. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province (KPK), new rains resulted in return of high water levels to the previously flooded places and created new flooded areas forcing more people to evacuate. Floods from Indus River extended to the South of the country cutting communication to various parts of Punjab and Sindh. According to the authorities, the number of people affected by Pakistan's floods is now estimated to be over 15 million, making it the worst catastrophe this century.
To add to an already complex crisis, Explosive Remnants of War (ERWs) are being moved by flood water to areas that weren't previously known as contaminated. Recently three children were badly maimed when unexploded ordnance (UXO) detonated while they were playing in flood water in Di-I-Khan District, in the southern part of KPK.
FSD's response
Due to the general difficulties in physically accessing communities because the floods destroyed so many bridges and road, FSD whom is implementing Risk Education in KPK is currently discussing with local radios to launch messages to tackle this increased threat from Explosive Remnants of War and inform populations about the potential danger they face when moving in flood affected areas, in particular, in known contaminated areas as well as in areas next to them. The radio messages will direct people to exert caution while moving in flood waters or to extremely careful in areas where UXO related incidents have happened or where signs of danger had been noticed or reported. And to remind all that ERW remain dangerous in any conditions.
Otherwise FSD's initial message remains;
Upon noticing a suspicious or dangerous item:
- stop immediately
- don't touch
- identify the place
- alert authorities, elders, FSD or other humanitarian organisations