Pakistan’s prime minister Shehbaz Sharif has warned of a “humongous challenge” ahead following catastrophic floods in the country that have coincided with an acute financial crisis and a deepening political conflict between the government and former leader Imran Khan.

After flood waters swept away settlements, pooled in low-lying areas and caused the country’s largest lake to overflow on Wednesday, officials said about 1,400 people had been killed and as many as 40mn, or about a fifth of the population, had been displaced.

A third of the country is under water and more than half of its 160 districts have been declared “calamity hit”.

Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s climate change minister, has described the disaster as “the climate catastrophe of the decade” and “a super-flood to beat all”. 

The government estimates at least $10bn of destruction has been caused, with analysts saying the damage appeared to be worse than in 2010, when floods across almost one-fifth of Pakistan killed nearly 2,000 people.

UN secretary-general António Guterres is due to tour some of the worst-hit areas on Friday, in a visit that Pakistan’s leaders hope to leverage to persuade foreign donors to provide emergency funds.

“This natural disaster, this calamity, should elicit an international response — which it has not elicited so far,” said Shahnaz Wazir Ali, a former MP and minister of social welfare. “If there isn’t a reasonably substantial rescue programme, then it will be a complete disaster,” she added. “There could be food riots, instability.” 

Prices are already soaring for food and other essentials. “Onions and tomatoes are twice or four times as expensive as just a month ago, and we haven’t had fruit for months,” said Dilawar Khan, a father of seven who lives with his wife and parents in a poor area of Islamabad. “We now even have to conserve on tea.” 

Analysts have warned that unless Pakistan’s ruling elite and international donors respond urgently, the crisis could fuel political unrest and militancy in a country that has long struggled to contain both.

More:    FT

Pray:

That the entire church in Pakistan will be resourced to serve people who are suffering. (Isaiah 41:10)

For wisdom and energy for local, national and international leaders as they respond to this crisis. (James 1:5)

For provision of clean water, food and safe shelter for people who have lost their belongings, homes, livestock and livelihoods. Ask God to give them courage and strength during these challenging times. (Phil. 4:6-7)