Flood Disaster in Pakistan

Heavy monsoons in July and August of 2010 in Pakistan triggered a flood disaster that lasted until September. According to the United Nations, the disaster affected more than 14 million people, and about half of them were dependent on humanitarian help after the floods. In addition to leaving a mess of damaged houses and destroyed infrastructure, official records indicate the disaster took the lives of 1738 people. The extensive destruction of agricultural land led to massive harvest shortages, and drinking water became contaminated, spreading disease. In general, the enormous amount of casualties, economic loss, and environmental damages weighed heavily on Pakistan. The disaster revealed many ongoing grievances and further exacerbated social, political, and economic unrest.