Struggling with near-starvation, many patriarchs are forced to travel daily to nearby towns in a desperate search for work. The situation is dire, with families battling not only hunger but also the threat of mosquito-borne diseases in the aftermath of the rains.
Evangelist Sagar Masih, who serves this community, reached out to BACA, requesting urgent assistance in the form of food supplies and mosquito nets for his congregation. In response, BACA has mobilized resources to support these vulnerable families, ensuring they receive essential aid to survive this challenging period.
In late August this year, torrential rains lashed the Sindh region for three consecutive days, causing extensive crop damage and leading to widespread job loss among poor farm workers who rely on agriculture for their livelihood. The devastating rains claimed 47 lives and displaced thousands of families, many of whom lost both their crops and livestock, leaving them in dire circumstances.
By September, BACA had already begun responding to the crisis by providing critical aid to around 70 Christian and Hindu families in the village of Abdulsangrasi. The plea for help came through Rumesh Kumar, a local farm worker, who shared the heartbreaking stories of his coworkers. Many had lost their homes due to the unrelenting rainfall and, with the loss of their crops, had no means of income, struggling to feed their near-starving families.
BACA quickly mobilized, distributing food packages containing essential supplies to sustain a family for a month. This intervention provided much-needed relief, helping to alleviate hunger and restore hope to these vulnerable families as they faced the aftermath of the disaster.
Despite ongoing relief efforts in Sindh, many rural families, especially those dependent on agriculture, continue to struggle with severe food insecurity and unemployment. On 16th October, Evangelist Sagar Masih reached out to a BACA officer, sharing the desperate situation of Christian and Hindu families in Village Shah Muhammad. As someone who regularly visits these families to share the Gospel of Christ, he witnessed firsthand their struggle to provide for their families. He highlighted the urgent need for basic groceries and hygiene items, such as soap, toothbrushes, and toothpaste.
Additionally, thanks to a series of grants, many of the previously damaged mud homes in the village have now been rebuilt, offering more stable shelter for families and aiding in their recovery from the flood’s aftermath.
The families were overjoyed and deeply grateful for the timely help, expressing their heartfelt thanks to BACA for extending a lifeline during their time of need. This relief not only provided immediate sustenance but also offered protection from the health hazards that typically follow such natural disasters.
Sodi Bibi, a 48-year-old mother of six, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the support she received through BACA’s flood relief program, saying, “I am thankful to BACA for helping us with food.” Her situation is emblematic of the challenges faced by many families in the region.
Birjo, 45, and Longo, 30, from the settlement of Shah Muhammad, shared their struggles after the devastating floods destroyed their livelihoods. Previously, they earned a meager daily wage of Rs. 400 (£1.15) by working in cotton fields, spending long hours weeding while their husbands, Laloo and Shao, cleared water ditches. This hard labor barely provided enough for their families to eat.
With the floods wiping out crops, both Birjo and Longo, along with their husbands, found themselves without work for over a month and a half. Laloo had to venture into town daily in search of any available labor, but often returned home empty-handed, with only a few lucky days yielding any income. The uncertainty and desperation of their situation weighed heavily on them, as they struggled to feed their families.
Birjo told BACA, “We are grateful for your support, as it brings hope during these challenging times. Without help, we would have nothing to eat.” Her words reflect the collective relief and gratitude of families like hers, who have found a lifeline through BACA’s timely assistance.
“Sometimes we had to sleep without food when my husband could not find work,” Birjo shared with BACA, highlighting the extreme hardships her family faced. The relentless breeding of mosquitoes following the floods compounded their suffering, as their young children were particularly vulnerable to mosquito bites, often falling ill as a result.
“It is too hard to tend to poverty and sickness both at the same time,” Birjo lamented, illustrating the overwhelming burden that families like hers endure in these challenging times.
To address this pressing issue, BACA distributed mosquito nets to families in need, providing a crucial layer of protection for their children against mosquito-borne illnesses. This support not only helped safeguard the health of the children but also offered some peace of mind to parents struggling to navigate the dual challenges of poverty and disease. Birjo expressed her gratitude, knowing that this small but significant gesture could make a difference in their lives, allowing them to focus on recovery and survival.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for British Asian Christian Association, said: “Christian communities in Sindh are often overlooked when it comes to investment in flood prevention infrastructure. Without support from Christian charities, these families receive little to no aid, as many Muslim charities and the government tend to ignore their plight. It is heartbreaking to see our brothers and sisters suffering while their basic needs remain unmet. To truly protect these families from the devastating impacts of future floods, we need to advocate for solid homes made of brick that can withstand adverse weather conditions. Only then can we ensure their safety and dignity in the face of such challenges.”
The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) is keeping this appeal open to raise funds for a vital medical camp aimed at serving the community in Village Shah Muhammad. Many residents are currently suffering from waterborne or related illnesses such as dengue fever, malaria, cholera, and dysentery, all exacerbated by the recent flooding and inadequate living conditions.
For these families, access to healthcare has been a distant dream; many have not seen a doctor in years due to the prohibitive costs of treatment. The lack of medical attention not only contributes to the suffering but also leads to a low life expectancy among community members.
BACA is committed to providing the necessary medical support to improve the health and well-being of these vulnerable families. With your help, we can bring essential healthcare services to those who need it most, offering them a chance for a healthier future. Your donations will directly support the medical camp and help provide the care and treatment these families urgently require. You can donate using the many option (here).
We share a few of the many pictures we have of our recent aid distribution:
