Get rid of apathy – help re stabilize badin

Badin, the resourceful land of Sufi shrines and magnanimous rice and cotton fields has been ruthlessly hit by destructive floods due to the heavy rains this summer. Inspite of the fact that Badin district’s urban centre is quite advanced in terms of communication (with 3905 licenses issued by 2001) with many radio and TV channels, it took quite a while for it to communicate the issue that has dilapidated life in Badin, inside out.

About 1.4 million people have been hit by this tremendous calamity and about 90 percent of this population has lost their homes and are now displaced. Among the worst hit areas, the four majors include Tando Mohammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Mirpurkhas and Tharparkar. Even though efforts are being made by different channels to help the population, the army has just been able to help in aiding about 100,000 people. More than 50 per cent are living under the open sky. Some 70 to 75 per cent crops have been damaged, 60 per cent mud-houses have been affected, and 40 to 50 per cent conventional houses have been severely hit.  Flood struck, these innocent and poor people have been living in severe conditions, some under no sky, and many more with no drinking water or food. The relief camps that have now become their homes are hardly a shelter for these disaster-struck families and children, where the number of young ones falling sick is accelerating  - leading to one 5 year old succumbing to death due to stomach infection. Food prices, including floor, wheat, rice, sugar and vegetables have reportedly gone up by 45% – for some items, even more so.

Government and authorities have been providing enough assistance and food to the people of Badin, ensuring that these families get food at-least once in many days, if not weeks. On top of which they have also sternly asked international donor and assistance organization to stay away from Badin.

While floods continue to further ravage interior Sind, the Govt seemingly find it wiser and more practical to shut Badin away from any humanitarian assistance, from  the UN. Perhaps letting international observers in would damage the governments reputation further? A serious concern for believers of non-transparency.

Astonishingly, many established and resourceful Pakistani’s are from Badin. While Fehmida Mirza has established 414 relief camps, no one else seems to have stepped up. The attitude of others seem like they’re in a coma of conscience, if not downright apathy.

The people of Badin direly need your help. The current number of relief camps, are unable to provide to the needs of these Pakistanis.A lot of public assistance is needed to provide funds and servicing in these areas, and your involvement is keenly invited. Organizations like  PkRelief,  SA Relief  Edhi foundation & Red crecent  are among the few organizations that are striving to make a difference in Badin, by making relief camps, providing medical and health facilities, apart from the food and water provisions. These organizations are open to funding and you can be directed to their contact details when you click the links.

Amidst many internal and external problems Pakistan is facing at the moment, the greatest issue is the loss and destruction on life and livelihoods. Badin and it’s laborers that have made significant contributions to the economy and households of this country for decades,  they need your help now. Please do not hesitate to do whatever you can in re-stabilizing Badin.