KARACHI:
Amid the ongoing political turmoil, both the public and the government appear to have forgotten the floods that wreaked havoc in several parts of the country during the summer. Many people in flood-affected areas are still combatting the problems brought upon them by the flooding. Most are still homeless living under open skies or in temporary shelters with little to no food. They have lost their livelihoods and are struggling to make ends meet.
Across the country, the affectees are being provided with food and clothes arbitrarily but this is not a viable solution. These people cannot continue living in unsanitary and unsafe conditions. With the start of the winter season, they are even more vulnerable because of the cold weather and face the risk of contracting diseases like dengue. Due to the poor provision of healthcare services, many areas were already faced with a series of disease outbreaks. Pregnant women and children are faced with higher risks.
The federal and provincial governments have failed to facilitate the affectees properly and they must do more to support the helpless people ahead of the harsh winter. The public and non-governmental organisations should continue providing supportive items including warm clothes and blankets. The government should compensate the people for their losses by ensuring that water is drained out from all areas and by rebuilding people’s houses.
Rameesa Zeb Aslam
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, November 25th, 2022.
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