ONE year after the worst flooding disaster in the history of the region, more floods triggered by heavy rains have devastated parts of Southern Pakistan. Millions of people have been displaced after losing their homes in this region which has still not recovered from last year’s floods.

Although this year’s flood is not as big as it was last year, it has affected millions of people. Hundreds have died till now. Last year, Pakistanis came out to help their brothers and sisters in need and contributed money, food, clothes and other items.

With stagnant water having collected in most parts of the district, several sources say that the threat of an outbreak of malaria and other epidemics is imminent.

Several cases of death by snakebite have surfaced but anti-snakebite serum is rarely available.

The government is providing mosquito nets, but it is feared that not enough are being distributed. The nets themselves may not be enough to prevent the outbreak of diseases.

A large number of school buildings, particularly in the Katcha area, have collapsed or have been damaged beyond repair after being submerged in floodwater. Thousands of government primary and middle schools have been flattened to the ground, and as many are being occupied by millions of survivors. As a result, half-a-million children are still out of school.

The Government of Pakistan says that the rehabilitation of 21 million homeless people takes priority over the revival of the education system. And funds of universities are being diverted towards relief schemes.

Only the military, seen to be a far more efficient institution, took the lead in relief operations, which is really great. However, the feudal class should be doing the most as they are directly responsible for people’s upkeep. Unfortunately, they have overlooked such an important matter.

If we do not take precautionary measures on an urgent basis, we will face an even worse situation.

ANAM HAYAT Islamabad