An update from Pakistan from Fr Pat Visanti on Columban efforts to help some of those worst affected by the recent floods in the parish of Badin.
Saint Thomas the Apostle Parish is located in a rural city of Badin. It is about three hours’ drive from Pakistan’s biggest city, Karachi. There are over 400 families in the parish, the majority of whom are Parkrikoli tribal people, Sindhi Bheels and Punjabis.
Most of our people here are farmers and daily wage workers who come from poor families, who depend on their earnings for the day to provide for their families.
Partly destroyed roof of a Sindhi Bheel family home in Do Chuk village.
Due to the heavy rain and flooding, most of the crops have been destroyed meaning the majority of the people won’t have easy excess to food and work for the coming months. They will totally depend on the generosity and love of others who can provide for them.
In terms of infrastructure damage, thank God many of our peoples’ homes are ok compared to other places in Sindh province. Two villages in the parish were badly affected and people lost houses and the village was surrounded by water.
In the rest of the villages, houses were partially damaged, and crops were lost. Around seven homes are completely destroyed by the rain and around 55 houses were partially damaged.
People will need proper shelter for the long run and food assistance while they try to rebuild their lives. It might be good to look at ways of improving the building of houses to combat the changing climate.
Farm land underwater in Tajeli Village
We have provided around 60 food packages to families who are in real need, and we are still giving out more packages. We are grateful to Sr Elizabeth Chohan FC and St Joseph Convent School in Karachi for donating 50 food packages, clothes, shoes, water and medicine.
We have other food packages and donations lined up for the coming weeks thanks to our local donors. We are grateful to Columban benefactors for their generous support to us in the mission which enable us to carry out the work we are doing at this time of need.
The people affected are very appreciative of your kindness and love.
Support Columbans working with flood victims in Pakistan by donating online here: https://columbans.ie/donate/ Alternatively, please send your donation to the Far East Office, Dalgan Park, Navan, Co Meath C15 AY2Y or call 00353 46 909 8275.