The 2010 floods in Pakistan displaced millions and were a major setback for the national economy. They affected vast areas mainly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh and took a toll of hundreds of lives. Despite the repeated statements from the government, no practical steps were taken to tackle the possibility of future floods and the consequence of this gross negligence is that floods are yet again wrecking havoc this year.
Unlike last year, the eye of the storm this year is Sindh where flood waters have razed in numerous villages and displaced millions. According toAsian Human Rights Commission, the loss of crops due to floods in Sindh is estimated to have caused 5.6 billion rupees in damages. The extent of inundation can be gauged from the fact that out of 23 districts of Sindh, 22 have been directly or indirectly affected by the deluge.
Aerial view of Shahdadpur, which has been inundated by widespread flooding. Image by Rajput Yasir, copyright Demotix (18/9/2011).
Lamenting the utter lack of efficiency on the part of the government to tackle the situation, the Human Rights Commission article states:
It is only now that the government is examining the conditions of the bunds and embankments which are only just, if at all, holding the flood waters at bay. In the meantime hundreds ofthousands of people are trapped due to the flooding of the roads and it is the women and children who are suffering the most due to the lack of safe drinking water, milk and food. As was seen in the last catastrophe the response from the government was very slow due to the lack of a proper relief system and resources.
Like last year, a number of social initiatives have been launched to help out the displaced flood affectees. Among these efforts is the one launched by Faisal Kapadiaand Dr Awab Alvi, two notable social activists and bloggers (and Global Voices authors).
Full Report - Global Voice | 21Sept 2011
