Rains disrupt charity food centres in city

Daily wage earners unable to find work on rainy days increasingly relying on food parcels

KARACHI:

Heavy rains in the metropolis have disrupted the services of welfare organisations' food centres, leaving thousands of daily wagers and low-income families struggling to find meals.

Several food distribution points, mostly set up along streets and intersections, were forced to shut down due to the absence of proper shelters. Centres still functioning are witnessing a sharp rise in demand for takeaway meals as labourers remain out of work amid the downpour.

Muhammad Imran, who oversees food services for a welfare group, said around 400 food points across the city cater to nearly 300,000 people twice a day. "Many centres had to close because of the rains. Daily wagers are unable to find work and are now relying on food parcels," he told The Express Tribune.

Chhipa Welfare spokesperson Chaudhry Shahid said his organisation operates 170 food centres in the city. While several were temporarily shut, most remain operational. "We are trying to meet the growing demand for food parcels," he added.

Similarly, Saylani Welfare Trust, which runs about 100 centres, reported a surge in both dine-in and takeaway requests. Officials said arrangements were being made to keep services running despite disruptions.

Residents recounted their plight. Asif Abbasi, a daily wager from Lines Area, said his family faced food shortages after two days without work. "I managed to collect a parcel from a welfare point which helped us survive," he said.

At a Liaquatabad centre, Muqaddas Begum, a widow who stitches clothes for a living, said she had no option but to seek meals for her children after work was halted due to bad weather.

Rickshaw driver Burhan Ahmed urged welfare groups to expand takeaway facilities. "People in poor neighbourhoods are waiting for food aid as many centres are closed," he said.

Welfare bodies assured that steps were being taken to ensure uninterrupted services during the rainy spell.