In the ‘Need of the Hour’
Around 80 kilometers from Quetta, the provincial capital of Balochistan lies the last union council Panjpai. The recent flash flooding has left a trail of destruction everywhere in the area.
With houses and villages destroyed by the 4 hour continuous rains, the rugged terrain is still strewn by debris and muck. With most of the inhabitants living below the poverty line, the local communities are in a state of shock and disbelief.
With most of the infrastructure like houses, schools and roads damaged, the locals are in dire need of support to survive these unforeseen circumstances.
Islamic Relief Pakistan with two decades long association with the people of Balochistan was one of the first organizations to reach the ones in need. With another rain spell predicted in the coming week, the affectees are facing multiple challenges.
The Daily Wager
The water receded from the area but the damage strains are still visible and fresh. Standing beside the rubble of his damaged house in the Mian Khanzai village, Naseeb ullah who is 45 years old told us
“Rain is usually a relief in our area but this was terrifying. As I saw the water level increasing in my village, I shifted all my family members to a mosque that is on a safe place.”
Looking for buried valuables with his mud clad hands, Naseeb ullah continues to tell us
“I work as a daily wager and I had a kitchen garden as well where I used to grow vegetables, it was a big support for a poor person like me. Flood water took everything with it”.
“I have no home now, we spend our days and nights under the open sky”