The monsoon season in July wreaked havoc in the Sindh region this year, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. While the intensity was less severe than the previous year, the rainfall from July 19th to 24th caused significant damage to crops, houses, and livestock.
Mud houses crumbled, acres of crops were destroyed, and families found themselves displaced, seeking shelter under makeshift tents.
In the aftermath of the flood-like rains, stagnant water became breeding grounds for mosquitoes, unleashing a wave of waterborne diseases. The vulnerable population, particularly children and the elderly, suffered from ailments like diarrhea and abdominal sickness. Malaria and dengue began to spread unchecked, adding to the misery of those already grappling with the aftermath of the monsoon.
In the midst of this crisis, the British Asian Christian Association (BACA) swiftly responded to the emergency. One of our volunteers, Evangelist Prabhu Daas, reached out to BACA, highlighting the dire situation faced by Christian families in Khawaja Stop, Sindh. These families lacked defense against mosquitoes, making them susceptible to diseases in the aftermath of the floods.
Evangelist Prabhu Daas stressed the prolonged impact of the monsoon, stating, “Monsoon lasts for days or for weeks but we face its consequences for longer. It destroys us financially on the one hand while it leaves us prone to different diseases on the other hand.”
Understanding the urgent need, BACA immediately mobilized to provide mosquito nets and several visits with food parcels to the affected communities. The goal was to protect the vulnerable, especially children and the elderly, from mosquito-borne illnesses in the wake of the disaster and to keep people nourished.
Martha, a resident from Meerabad village, expressed her gratitude, saying, “Mosquito bites spread fever and malaria in the children, and medication sometimes proves ineffective. We were in dire need of nets which BACA has provided. We are thankful to BACA for helping us protect ourselves from mosquitoes. God bless BACA.”
On August 10th 2023, BACA distributed mosquito nets in Khwaja Stop and Meerabad Village, Berani, Sindh. Evangelist Danyal Masih, a volunteer in Berani, extended his appreciation, stating, “I am thankful to BACA for providing us mosquito nets.”
In the face of adversity, the swift response of BACA brought not only physical relief but also a sense of hope to the flood-stricken Christian communities in Sindh.
Juliet Chowdhry, trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said:
“It’s worrisome that, despite a recurring pattern of escalating floods in Pakistan, the Pakistani government has yet to tackle the issue through enhanced infrastructure.
“I find it astonishing that, during rescue and rehabilitation efforts, the government consistently overlooks the needs of Christians.
“BACA tirelessly steps in to assist Christians in the wake of emergency disasters, but a lasting solution is essential to uplift the lives of those most impacted by floods.”
The British Asian Christian Association is a charitable organization dedicated to advocacy, disaster recovery, clean water projects, and combating slavery in Pakistan. Our mission thrives on the generosity of supporters like you, and we extend an invitation for you to join our esteemed list of donors (click here to donate). Your contribution plays a vital role in enabling us to carry out our impactful work and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we aim to assist.
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