Pakistan Floods: – 1st Report from the Sisters

Updates from flood-stricken Pakistan sent by Sr. Roberta Ryan Latifibad district, Hyderadbad, Sindh

2nd: 25 August 2010

1st: 10 August 2010

Update: 25 August 2010

Sincere thanks from all of us for the care, support, prayer and solidarity. We are very conscious of the generosity of so many to Pakistan in this time of unprecedented disaster, devastation and extreme human suffering

Here in Hyderabad the nearby Kotri barrage is trying to cope with flood waters beyond its maximum capacity. All schools in Hyderabad have been closed – from this morning until Monday – and we wait to see if the river banks hold under the volume and pressure of water now swelling the river Indus.

Vast numbers of people, right across the country, are living in tent cities while others make their makeshift homes by the side of a road or on any other dry patch of land they can find. Large tracts of arable land in Sindh and elsewhere have been submerged denying the people of their hoped for harvest. Untold numbers of livestock have been drowned in the flood waters. The price of basic food stuffs spirals upwards with each passing day. The TV channels carry very graphic images of the suffering all round us – from one end of the country to the other.

As for Rebecca and me, we are very happy to have Perlita and Marie back with us, and appreciate more than words can say the messages of prayer and concern reaching us from all round our Columban world.

Update: 10 August 2010 The Sisters live in the Latifibad area of Hyderabad, from where Roberta sent this short update on behalf of herself and Sisters Perlita and Rebecca.

“We would just like to let you know that there is a Red Alert flood warning for districts Qasimabad & Latifabad, the two lowest lying areas of Hyderabad city. The flood waters from the northern areas are surging in powerful torrents into Sindh along the river Indus and eventaully they will pour out into the Arabian Sea.

The threat comes from the reality that the local barrage in Kotri about 20 minutes away may be damaged under the pressure of the water surges or that the banks of the river may give way on either side.

People have been advised to move their house contents to the roof or upper stories as a precautionary measure. We too are being sensible and moving just a few essentials that might be vulnerable.

The next few days are critical but we are all hoping that the effots of the army and agencies in shoring up the barrage and river banks will prevent the floods from reaching the city. We know that you will be keeping us all in your prayers that the city and its people be spared.

From all the media coverage you are well aware of the devastation and disaster caused by the floods that have been sweeping the country over the past week leaving millions hungry, homeless and totally destitute. We have been appalled by the terrible human suffering we have witnessed on TV. And continue to pray that the nations of the world will respond to Pakistan in its hour of greatest need. Thank you for your donation to Trocaire on behalf of the Congregation.”

Copy the link below for graphic depictions of the plight of the people in various areas of flood-devastated Pakistan seen from army helicopters.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/worldnews/7935043/Pakistan-floods-aerial-pictures-from-army-helicopters-show-the-extent-of-the-flooding.html

Pakistan floods: Maps and more photos below (sources various)

As of 11 August, UNICEF estimates: 6 million children affected by the floods in Pakistan; some 2.7 million in need of immediate, life-saving assistance

A man hands over his daughter to a naval rescue boat as he wades through floodwaters in Pakistan’s Sindh Province

Monday, Aug. 16, 2010. The Dawn, the Pakistan English language newspaper, reports Pakistani shows flood survivors collecting food relief dropped from a truck, in Muzaffargarh, near Multan, Pakistan,
Angry flood survivors blocked a highway to protest slow delivery of aid and heavy rain lashed makeshift housing Monday as a forecast of more flooding increased the urgency of the massive international relief effort. – AP

Transportation in crowded cities is a chore at anytime, but when floods waters hit, movement becomes even more arduous

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