RURAL areas across Pakistan have been devastated by the recent torrential rains, with Balochistan, like the other provinces, suffering extensive damage. Homes have been destroyed, thousands of people have been displaced, and live-lihoods have been severely disrupted. Personal belongings have been swept away, and the situation remains dire, with more rain said to be in the air. Restoring the link roads that have been washed away is crucial.

In some places, entire villages have been submerged, leading to the tragic loss of livestock and human lives in various regions. In this critical time, the gover-nment must act urgently, providing needed assistance to those in desperate need.

People are facing extreme hardship; they urgently need food, medicine, mos-quito nets, and, in some areas, tents and boats to help families move to safer places.

This is an incredibly challenging period, and it is vital for philanthropic individuals and organisations to step up and support their fellow citizens. The heavy monsoon rains and flash floods have wreaked havoc, caused widespread destruction of infras-tructure, and left thousands of families, including children, homeless. Many people are left stranded, unable to stay home or relocate due to a lack of resources.

Habib Hyder Laghari
Edmonton, Canada

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2024