Abdul Samad, a father and farmer from the Sindh province in south-eastern Pakistan, recalls the unusually heavy rain that led to the devastating floods in August 2022.
“I remember the rain pouring down relentlessly. This was the first time I had seen something like it… When I woke up, my house was already flooded.” Saad Afzal of SOS Children’s Villages in Pakistan, who works directly with affected families, says, “For many, rebuilding and replacing their belongings can be a long and challenging process, requiring resources many simply do not have.”
Despite significant provisions and support from SOS Children’s Villages in Pakistan, challenges such as access to safe drinking water, poor sanitary conditions, and waterborne illnesses persist.
“The floods may have destroyed our homes and crops, but they could not destroy our spirit.”
The psychological impact of the floods is also a struggle for those affected, with many experiencing depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. “Children are particularly susceptible to these [mental health] struggles, as disrupting their daily routines and losing their homes and possessions can be extremely traumatic.” – Saad Afzal, SOS Children’s Villages in Pakistan
Despite the adversity, Abdul Samad remains positive. “Through it all, we have learned to be resilient. We have learned to come together as a community and support each other.”
Watch the video below to see how else SOS Children’s Villages is responding to the Pakistan floods.
