Pakistan Floods Update

The horrifying floods that struck north-west Pakistan last year affected more than 20 million people.

Through Caritas Internationalis, the global network of Catholic aid agencies, SCIAF helped immediately by providing food, blankets and temporary shelters. Clean water and hygiene kits also helped to prevent the spread of diseases.

Muhammad is the proud father of newborn twins, a beautiful boy and girl, who were born during the floods. He is currently staying in a camp for flood survivors. He told us,

“I was worried for my wife and my unborn children when we were forced to move from our home when the floods arrived. I am thankful for the help of the camp staff and SPARC [SCIAF’s partner] for supporting us during this difficult time.”

Muhammad added, “People in the camp have been very helpful to us and our children during this time. They have helped to care for our children and have comforted my wife who is still very tired. They have given us water coolers and cooked food and this has helped us a lot.”

Muhammad and his wife hope to get back to their home which is nearby on the outskirts of Shikarpur. They know they will struggle in the future but hope that with the support of their family and community that they will be able to rebuild a life for themselves.

SCIAF’s Lorraine Currie explains,

“The donations that SCIAF received from the Scottish public continue to provide a vital lifeline to people who fled their homes following last year’s flooding. These generous donations will continue to provide support including helping people to return home and re-establish their crops and livelihoods.”

In the coming months, SCIAF will be rebuilding homes and helping families to regain their livelihoods and have enough food to eat. We are also setting up safe childcare centres where children can learn and receive a hot meal. The centres ensure that children’s physical and emotional needs are met after having suffered such a terrifying ordeal.

Photos: Asad Zaidi/CRS, Caritas/Trocaire