Syed Muhammad Aqeel Abidi ^1* Syeda Namayah Fatima Hussain ² Aly Hamza Khowaja ¹ Ali Hyder Nazeer ¹

• ¹ Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
• ² Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

The 2022 floods in Pakistan resulted in widespread displacement, loss of lives, and disruption of daily routines, severely impacting the mental health of children. This case study highlights the psychiatric issues faced by flood-affected children, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with potential long-term consequences. Through individual cases, the diverse psychological challenges faced by these children—ranging from intense grief to pervasive insecurity and fear—are vividly illustrated. In response to this crisis, a student-led initiative was launched by medical students to address the psychological needs of children in the affected areas. This case study examines the unique contributions of these students to disaster relief efforts, particularly in establishing child-friendly spaces that provided crucial psychosocial support. Drawing on direct experiences from the initiative, this study explores the challenges faced, the strategies employed, and the lessons learned in delivering mental health services during and after the disaster. The findings underscore the dual value of engaging medical students in disaster response: they not only contribute to immediate relief efforts but also gain essential experience in addressing complex mental health needs in vulnerable populations. This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of integrating student-led initiatives into broader disaster management frameworks, particularly in resource-constrained settings. We advocate for the incorporation of child-friendly spaces, the involvement of psychologists and social workers, and the integration of mental health services into disaster response plans. Specific recommendations are provided for NGOs, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to better support mental health in disaster preparedness and response. By sharing these insights, we aim to mitigate the long-term psychological impacts of natural disasters on children and prioritize their mental health in disaster response efforts. Proactive measures, including awareness campaigns and research on effective interventions, are proposed to build resilience and ensure the well-being of flood-affected children.