Too old for a catastrophe

Old flood survivor's son carried him on his back from Rahimabad to Sukkur.

SUKKUR: Feelings of frustration and anguish are visible among the 150,000 flood survivors, who have taken refuge in various relief camps in the city of Sukkur.

At one such refuge set up at the government degree college, survivors ponder their ordeal, as gloom and despair engulf the environment there.

There are people of all ages at the camp, but the miseries caused by the catastrophe are unbearable for those whose old age does not even allow them to walk.

Ninety-year-old Jan Mohammed, one of the survivors at the camp, has worked hard throughout his life and never relied on others for assistance.

After years of labour as an independent farmer, he is now depending on others to help him survive through the crisis.

Loss of energy did not allow him to speak, but he clenched his fists to express his anger and helplessness.

“I carried him on my back all the way from Rahimabad,” said one of his sons, who also appeared fatigued by the terrible journey.

At first, Mohammed seemed to be the oldest man at the camp, but another man, who looked even older and in very poor health, also survived the wrath of the savage torrents and managed to reach the refuge.

“What can I say,” he replied in a tone of hopelessness, when asked about how much losses he suffered due to the flood disaster.

The conditions at the camp are worsening for the survivors as supplies are fast running out.

The advent of Ramazan has added to their miseries since food has become limited and many of them hardly find food for Sehri.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 14^th, 2010.