Lahore, Pakistan, 12 September 2022 -- During the last 3 months Pakistan has been hit by a twofold natural disaster: Himalayan glaciers melting and the worst flood from rains in recorded memory. On August 30 according to officials, some one third of the territory was under water and 80 of 160 districts declared a disaster zone. A total of 33 million (of the 235 million population) people are affected and until now floods have brought 1300 deaths, 1.8 million houses totally destroyed or even just washed away. Most affected are the regions of northern Pakistan with flash floods, Balochistan (31 districts), Sindh (23 districts) and 3 districts in Punjab. Around 6 million people need urgent help, some already living in ad hoc camps with very little food, no hygiene and sanitation. This catastrophic impact continues with many cases of disease in camps and villages while there is lack of medicines (dengue fever, malaria, diarrhoea, hepatitis and typhoid).

       Some countries and international charities have already moved to send some help, but the solidarity is rather slow. Aside from much needed emergency relief there is a need to offer support for recovery. Also the UN Secretary General made his appeal by video. World media present the Pakistan flood as a huge humanitarian crisis driven by climate change: Today Pakistan, tomorrow .... your country.

       The 'Don Bosco Education Society' receives many help requests from parishes, communities, families or Don Bosco past pupils. Our Salesian delegation of Pakistan discerned a project addressed to Don Bosco Colony Jacobabad (56 families), Sukkher (40 families) and the Zahid area (42 families). Don Bosco Past Pupils Association in Lahore is involved in this operation too. The immediate urgent help is tents, shelter kits, food, medicines, blankets, water containers, cooking items and soap.

       During the last 20 years in Pakistan, Don Bosco's Salesians have been providential in aid for 2005 - 2008 - 2010 Earthquake victims (emergency relief - food, shelter and medicines, house and schools construction) in Balochistan, Sindh; in helping the flood victims in Sindh region (2012) and humanitarian assistance during the Coronavirus pandemic (2020-2021).

       For more details on the ground, you can contact the Rector of Don Bosco Lahore, Fr. Noble, SDB (noblelal@gmail.c0m)

       Prayer for those affected by Pakistan flood

       CAFOD (UK based Catholic agency for human development)

O Lord,

in the goodness of your constant love,

be with the people of Pakistan

as they face devastating floods.

At this time of great loss –

loss of lives, homes and crops –

may we be filled with your compassion

and moved to reach out in love.

As we stand alongside our sisters and brothers, we pray that

they may find consolation in their sorrow,

strength as they seek shelter and safety

and courage to carry on.

Forgive us, O Lord,

for our part in the climate crisis,

and inspire us all to play our part

in protecting the earth, our common home.

So that together we may build a world

that reflects your glory,

where hope drives out despair

and all things are made new.

• United Nations Secretary General on Flood response for Pakistan (Aug 31)

       Related news articles:

• AustraLasia 2698: Pakistan's Flood and Us (2010)
• AustraLasia 5655 (III) Lahore Don Bosco provides relief (2021)
• AustraLasia 5749 (I) Afghan Refugees helped by Don Bosco Lahore (2021)

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