Tornado: Brushing off and building again

Victims say govt hasn’t given them enough, neighbours are chipping in.

SIALKOT: Several victims of the tornado in Sialkot complained that they were unable to rebuild their homes as the aid promised by the provincial government was insufficient. A number of NGOs and university students have however begun to chip in and help the villagers rebuild.

The intense tornado on Saturday wiped out an entire residential community. The provincial and federal governments had announced Rs50,000 assistance for each affected family to rebuild their homes. “The amount is insufficient. Most of the houses were completely destroyed,” said Sialkot resident Rafaqat.

Residents said that the provincial government had distributed its share of financial compensation cheques but the federal government had not provided any aid as yet. Khalid Mehmood said “We are grateful that several university students and small NGOs are now helping us. Lots of students have chipped in and are helping us clear the rubble and line up bricks.”

“They have offered us nothing. With Rs50,000 we can hardly even repair the roofs to our houses,” said Farhana. Several victims also complained about food arrangements saying that the food being provided by NGOs was insufficient to meet their needs and that many were surviving on one meal a day.

Villages struck by last week’s tornado include Machraala, Bahadurpura, Chakraala, Dera Bhattiyan and Dera Maai Malaani near head Marala. Victims have been allocated tents close by while they await funds to rebuild.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 24^th, 2011.