IN the midst of the political turmoil and the ongoing blame game between the government and the opposition, the plight of thousands of flood victims is being neglected. Every other day we hear children dying as a result of malnutrition, waterborne diseases and dengue. But we do not get to hear what is being done to make life less miserable for the victims. This is probably because there is hardly anything happening in this regard.

According to data gathered by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), about 60,000 houses and 430,000 acres of cultivated land have been devastated by the flood in southern Punjab.

What little belongings the flood victims managed to recover from the wreckage of their homes have been looted by the muggers. The children of the affected families are being raped by ruthless brutes. Pregnant women are having miscarriages. And, there is no way they can go back to their inundated lands; to their lives.

There are still families left stranded and unroofed, waiting for a helping hand. The only source of income they have had was their land and livestock. The land has been inundated, while livestock is lost. Their problems have already been aggravated by the arrival of winter and it is predicted that more lives will be lost.

In such a state, who should they ask and beg for help? Or should they die with cold and hunger just like thousands of others did? Despite the flood relief funds and aid from international communities, little progress can be seen over the last three months. Basic necessities, including food, shelter, clothing, security, health and sanitation, should be provided to them.

The government should save these poor souls by draining the stagnant water from their areas, and by providing them financial support in rebuilding their homes.

Shehrbano Ali
Lahore

Published in Dawn, December 22nd, 2022