In light of the massive ongoing floods that have engulfed the Sindh Province, devastation and suffering is widespread; many have been rendered homeless without any food and water. The Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that is currently heavily involved in this challenging endeavor by providing assistance to the affectees of the massive flood. The Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation and JS Bank have been a strong advocate of various philanthropic activities in the past as well, including extensive relief efforts in the 2005 earthquake, 2008 IDP crisis and the 2010 floods.
The current flash floods unleashed by heavy monsoon rains have killed at least 342 people and injured over 630 since late last month, the majority of them in the province of Sindh. The floods have now affected over 7 million people and destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes across Sindh. 22 out of 23 districts of Sindh have been badly affected. More than 70% of the homes in villages and 30% in urban areas of Badin and Mirpurkhas have caved in, while the district has lost 70% of its crops.
Starvation, disease and weakness are widespread and the threat of infections is becoming increasingly intense. Amongst this diarrhea, malaria and water borne diseases are the highest. There is a dire need to minimize the damage which is currently being caused by the lack of basic healthcare and amenities. The primary area of focus of the foundation is to provide food, water and medicine to all those affected.
To extend care and support to the families displaced due to the recent flood in Sindh, Mahvash and Jahangir Siddiqui Foundation and JS Bank sent out its health team comprising doctors, para-medical staff, dispensers and helpers along with its fleet of ambulances and food rations for more than 3,000 families, to provide assistance to the affectees. To date, medical attention to 10,229 patients along with food rations, water and basic medical supplies have been provided to an estimated 17,500 people in the affected areas which should last them for a period of 8-10 days. The areas that were covered in the initial phase from 3rd September to 12th September included Badin, Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Tando Mohammed Khan, Tando Allahyar and Mithi and the next phase will cover areas of Sanghar, Nawabshah, Dadu and Khairpur districts.
The situation is undoubtedly much worse than imagined as the number of effected people is overwhelming as opposed to the relief efforts that have been carried out. A lot needs to be done and urgent help is required. We hope to alleviate the pain and suffering of many through the efforts of the foundation and the generous donations of various kinds.
