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Wednesday, 1 September 2010
Since returning to northern Pakistan from my trip to the south I have unfortunately been chained to my desk unable to attend any relief operations because of security concerns. Security is a major issue in northern Pakistan. As if people in this part of the country devastated by floods needed something else to worry about. I hope to be able to attend some relief initiatives over the coming days to get a better idea of the impact the efforts of our local partners are having to those returning home. The rains and have stopped and the flood waters in the north have receded, meaning millions of people can return home, or at least to what was once their home. Many of the homes in this part of the country were built with bricks and mud, when the flood waters came they were simply swept away. It will takes months if not years to rebuild the tens-of-thousands of homes, school and businesses either damaged or destroyed. The other issue will be reclaiming fertile crop lands. When the rushing waters came barreling through this part of the country they brought with them soccer ball sized rocks from the base of the Himalaya's. I have seen prime crop land completely covered in these rocks, you would never have even know it was a field unless someone told you. Cleaing away all those rocks will take weeks if not months before any crop can be planted. If the farmers can get a new crop into the ground before the end of September, they have a chance to harvest it before the end of the year and earn some much needed income to get back on their feet. CBM and our partners are providing these people with tools and equipment to clean up their homes and crop lands, and will continue to provide food, water and medical services for the next six month while they get back on their feet. However, most children will be needed to help rebuild their homes, reclaim their farmland and plant/harvest the new crops, meaning the chances of them returning to school anytime soon is slim. Just another indication of the long-term impact of these floods. Thanks Brian Hatchell CBM - Emergency Communications Coordinator |
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