The United Nations has rated the floods in Pakistan as the greatest humanitarian crisis in recent history with more people affected than the 2004 South-East Asian tsunami, the Kashmir earthquakes and Haiti earthquake combined yet so far only $3.20 has been committed per flood affected person. Pakistan has been engulfed with a mega-disaster and requires a mega-response. The immediate consequences were devastating; however flooding is a very unique kind of natural disaster, as the aftermath can do more damage than the incident itself. With the winter fast approaching and food, medicine and other forms of aid shortages being highly expected, this disaster is far from over – it has only yet to begin. More than 60% of the crops in the entire country have been destroyed, millions are still homeless and many are dying every day from water-borne diseases.
But they have proven over and over again... they may be homeless and stranded without possessions, but their integrity is intact. They made it very clear they weren't beggars. It was out of sheer desperation they were asking for help. They had little food and almost no possessions. Most of their cattle and productive capital got washed away with the flood, their land unusable for years.
It was extremely difficult to get them to agree to be in a photo so that their story was conveyed to the rest of the world. Most of their women hid their faces, out of sheer embarrassment.
"We don't want any media attention, we don't want to be seen on TV, we don't want to be disgraced". These were the remarks of a young mother in her mid-30s.
The men of the group are mostly farmers, used to a hard day's labour. Sitting idly, doing nothing is hurting their pride. They don't want handouts. They want to be able to go back to work again. Most realize they are powerless against the forces of nature, lucky even to survive.
The flood may have raged through Pakistani cities and villages taking people’s lives, homes and belongings, but it will never take their hopes. Winter is approaching and some have forgotten the situation in Pakistan, let’s make a difference this year and help in any way we can.
You can find more about the campaign at: www.absoc.co.uk
