The upcoming winters in Pakistan have been predicted to be one of the chilliest yet. Add to that equation the numerous people displaced by the floods, and the upcoming months are likely to be catastrophic for many families Here’s how you can help.
‘We need help, we need ration and a place to live… women are delivering babies via caesarean and they need special care and attention. Our kids are falling sick and sleeping hungry…‘
Stated Flood Victims In Conversation With FUCHSIA – scroll below to watch the entire interview
The recent flood that wrecked Pakistan has been described by many as being ‘the worst of this century’. With one-third of the country now underwater, an estimated 54% of families are now homeless and struggling to survive. Most families who have lost their homes live in squalid conditions with no more than a flimsy plastic sheet being used as a makeshift shelter. Worst yet, many people still don’t have access to clean drinking water or proper sanitation and diseases like cholera, dysentery and dengue are on the rise. Moreover, the situation has been predicted to only get worse as the winter months approach. Thus, many organisations are urging people to keep their donation drives and charity efforts rolling to ensure that no one sleeps hungry or cold this winter.
Pakistan’s National Tent House Urges Citizens To Do Their Part In Saving Lives
While we all feel helpless faced with the plight of the flood victims, one organisation – National Tent House is working locally with UNHCR, UNICEF, AL-Khidmat foundation and Baitusalam (amongst other local and international NGOs and charities) as tent suppliers to cope with the ongoing catastrophe in Pakistan and are urging citizens to do their part in providing relief for those affected.
National Tent House has over 50 years of experience manufacturing and exporting relief products globally and has been registered as a supplier with UNHCR Geneva for the last 40 years. There are only three worldwide suppliers of fire and water-resistant tents that are registered with the UN and National Tent House is one of them. Moreover, Contrary to the company’s name, they manufacture more than just tents. National Tent House also produces polyester fleece blankets and quilts, Jerry cans, buckets, sleeping mats, etc.
When FUCHSIA asked NTH what kind of tents are suitable for cold weather they stated, ‘A special kit is provided as an attachment with the standard tents to cope with the cold weather. Apart from that, the UN and other agencies purchase fleece blankets as well’.
Here’s How You Can Help
While much has been written and said in regard to helping those affected by the floods, it is important to remember our fellow countrymen in their time of need as they prepare to face homelessness during the upcoming chilly winter months. Though many NGOs and Government organisations are doing their part in providing shelters to those displaced, many are still out in the cold.
Rallying our efforts together to keep the flood affectees warm should be our priority. Donating washable blankets, warm clothes, bug repellent, medicine, dry food supplies, sleeping mats and reusable containers will help tremendously. Citizens can donate directly to the UNHCR. However, our job isn’t done after donating. Holding organisations and charities accountable and ensuring those in need are being assisted adequately is of the utmost importance.
What steps will you be taking to keep fellow Pakistanis safe during the upcoming winter months? Let us know in the comments below.
