The story about Pakistan and the floods seems to have long left America’s memory. It was replaced by the fantastic story of the Chilean miners, but even they are out of the camera’s light. So, we move on with our lives, thinking that these events are over and done.
Not so in Pakistan. Millions are still displaced. Governments are still trying to figure out what to do.
I googled “Pakistan floods” today just to see if there is anyone out there still interested, still writing about it. Most of the articles that popped up were from August. Woe our short attention span!
Then I found an article posted only 6 days ago. The author from The Guardian in the UK provides a different, new perspective on the crisis, how people are living there now, and what they really need to rebuild their lives. It is excellent, a must read!
Here is a snipit: “In the initial days of the floods, many rescue workers were angry and frustrated when people refused to be rescued without their cattle. Not because these animals were like family members, but because they were their only revenue stream, their life insurance and their children’s future. This was the kind of poverty where people might get to eat korma only at weddings or their landlords’ funerals, but they had some control over the combination of salt and chilli powder they put in their pots. It’s called dignity.”
Read the full article here. If you are like me, you’ll actually find it encouraging!
Let’s not be short-sided and overlook what these people really need.
