Extreme Weather in Sindh Hits Children Hard: 230,000 Students Affected by School Closures

UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Abdullah Fadil, emphasized the ongoing crisis, noting that children are repeatedly deprived of education due to climate-related disasters.

Children in Sindh are facing severe disruptions to their education as monsoon floods have forced the closure of over 1,300 schools, leaving 230,000 students without access to learning. Of the damaged schools, 228 are completely destroyed, and over 450 are inaccessible due to standing floodwater, according to Sindh’s Education Department.

UNICEF Representative in Pakistan Abdullah Fadil highlighted the crisis, noting that children are repeatedly being denied education due to climate-induced disasters. "Pakistan is already grappling with an education emergency, with 26.2 million children out of school. The ongoing school closures could further hinder their chances of returning to the classroom," he warned.

The monsoon has claimed 76 lives in Sindh since July, including 38 children. Floodwaters have inundated homes, displacing 140,000 children and families across 10 affected districts.

UNICEF is actively assessing needs and working with government and local partners to restore educational access and support recovery efforts. The 2022 floods had already devastated Sindh’s infrastructure, and the current crisis underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient education systems.

Fadil stressed the need for increased investment in climate-adapted education and services. "Children in Pakistan face 'extremely high risk' from climate change. We need to build a coalition of partners to develop sustainable solutions for education in this climate-vulnerable country," he added.

Pakistan ranks 14th out of 163 countries on UNICEF’s Children's Climate Risk Index, reflecting the severe impacts of climate change on the nation's children.