With winter on the horizon and flood victims still far off from being rehabilitated, there is a growing concern that the cold temperature will be a threat to the lives of those currently living in tent settlements. Hence, appeals for donations of winter supplies have grown.
Rains led by floods since mid-June have displaced as many as 33 million people in Pakistan, with Balochistan being the worst affected province after Sindh.
Flood affectees in various districts of Balochistan and Sindh are still living out in the open and as the mercury begins dropping, their individual pleas are fast becoming a resounding cry for help from anyone and everyone.
Although, there are no official figures to specifically count the number of flood-battered people still living in tents, but as per NGOs carrying out relief activities in Sindh and Balochistan estimates that the number is in the thousands.
A majority of children and the elderly, as well as women suffering from anemia, are at higher risk due to the unavailability of a proper healthcare system, including antibiotics and life-saving drugs, in the flood-hit areas. A majority of flood victims are already suffering from a slew of diseases due to the consumption of contaminated water, and a lack of proper food, which has weakened their immunity and made them extra vulnerable to winter-related diseases.
The government has been claiming to protect the flood victims in the cold season.
In this context, defense Minister Khawaja Asif has assured the government will fulfill its responsibility vis-à-vis the provision of assistance and compensation to the flood-affected people.
He said despite limited resources, we have provided cash assistance to the flood-affected people. In addition, Kissan package has also been given to the farmers of affected areas.
It has been almost five months to the floods in Pakistan but still the majority of people are compelled to live under open sky which shows the will of the incumbent government. But after the start of the cold season, the government must swing into p action and take practical steps to avert humanitarian crisis.
