UPPER DIR DEVASTATION: Recent floods in the Upper Dir district have caused extensive damage to houses, farms, shops, roads, and other infrastructure, making it extremely difficult for the locals to access essential services, and for emergency responders to reach those in need. As such, the transportation system, particularly the main road between Chitral and Peshawar, has been rendered impassable due to flooding, exacerbating the challenges faced by the people of Upper Dir. Both federal and provincial governments should help the affectees of the area. The people in Upper Dir need relief rather urgently.

Akhtar Aziz Khan
Upper Dir

DESTRUCTION IN CHAGHI: Recent heavy rains have caused suffering and devastation in Balochistan’s Chaghi district. Many houses have been washed away by floods, leaving people to survive under open skies. Fields have been flooded, and crops have been destroyed. Families who rely on farming for food and income are facing tough times. The loss of crops may lead to a shortage of food in the days ahead. The impact of rains on agriculture is a major concern for the community, as the people of Chaghi mostly rely on agriculture for their living. As the water recedes, the people are left to rebuild their lives from scratch. They are looking for support from all concerned in these difficult times.

Saleh Muhammad
Chaghi

TORRENTIAL RAINS: Torrential rains in Balochistan have damaged the already crumbling infrastructure, creating large-scale trouble for the people. The drainage system in Quetta, the provincial capital, simply collapsed and, as a result, people are suffering from waterborne diseases. In the absence of any concrete plan to tackle the prevalent phenomenon of climate change, wide- scale destruction was bound to happen. This issue must be addressed urgently and professionally. Otherwise, its repercussions will be alarming and unpredictable, adding to the misery of the local people.

Sobidar Khan Khilji
Quetta

Published in Dawn, April 21st, 2024