Pakistan’s climate change minster says the country is at “maximum overstretch” as it attempts to mount a relief effort following devastating floods.

The floods have affected more than 33 million people, or one in seven Pakistanis.

More than 1,150 people have been killed, including over 300 children, and millions displaced by heavy monsoon rains in the past two and a half months.

Speaking to Sky News, Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s climate change minister, warned the country was overstretching its resources after a “convergence of multiple climate impacts” triggered a “gargantuan” relief effort.

“We are stretched… not just our military, but our civilians are pitching in now because food banks, basic hygiene items and then obviously the shelters, even the tents, are not enough for the first two weeks,” she said.

“Our helicopters were not able to do the normal relief and rescue evacuations because they could not get off the ground, and the navy had to be employed.

“It’s been absolutely unprecedented and relentless… it is becoming a challenge that is of epic proportions. We are very clear, at this point, we are at maximum overstretch.”

Pakistan monsoon floods: Brave and resilient displaced people feel angry and abandoned

Pakistan: UN appeals for $160m in emergency funding after deadly floods

Who should pay for a ‘climate catastrophe’? Pakistan’s savage flooding reignites debate

Ms Rehman added that different parts of the country required different types of help, with some parts seeing cascading water, and others experiencing sitting, stagnant water.

Reissuing a plea for assistance, she said: “Food is needed on the ground, shelter, hygiene kits, now even doctors and medical camps, because many are in need of medical care.”

The minister also likened the floods to “a war”, adding: “We are still unable to meet the services and survival needs of people on the front lines of what really is a climate catastrophe, and the climate catastrophe of the decade.”

According to initial estimates by the government, the devastation has caused $10bn (£8.5bn) of damage to the economy, however, planning minister Ahsan Iqbal said this was a preliminary estimate and that the actual cost will be “far greater”.

Read more:
Why Pakistan is at ‘ground zero’ of the climate crisis
Pictures reveal devastating impact of floods
Brave and resilient displaced people feel angry and abandoned

But Ms Rehman warned any financial support to help rebuild the economy “will not cover critical climate rebuilding”.

The rain subsided several days ago, but it did not bring much relief, with much of the country still remaining submerged and the main rivers, the Indus, and the Swat, are still swollen.

Related posts:

Myanmar egg strike to an empty St Peter’s Square: How the world is spending Easter More than 1,800 prisoners escape after gunmen attack Nigeria jail ‘The Taliban will get me’: Afghan interpreters who worked with British troops plead for help Toddler found drinking milk in hut after going missing for three days in Thailand Saudi crown prince once spoke of killing former monarch, ex-security chief claims German parties agree deal to form government that will end Merkel era French fishermen plan to block Channel Tunnel over post-Brexit fishing licence row At least 52 people – including six rescuers – killed after explosion in Siberian coal mine North Korea confirms test launch of biggest ballistic missile in years Airbus pulls out of Russia in another blow to country’s aviation industry ‘Every train that leaves is full’: Thousands descend on Lviv to try and escape Ukraine #loveislove: Rebel Wilson reveals she is dating a woman in Instagram post