ASIA/PAKISTAN: The Bishops: The floods have swept away faith, but not houses!
Kachhi Community Development Association
Karachi (Agenzia Fides – The three most severely affected dioceses in Pakistan have declared that the floods have “destroyed homes, but not faith of Catholics, who are in the midst the crisis.” Recent statements by Archbishop Benny Travas (Archbishop of Karachi) and Bishop Samson Shukardin (two cities in Sinh province) were made at a media forum. Fides followed their comments.
The Bishops of Pakistan are reiterating their appeal for greater support from both the local and international community to those affected by the floods. Food, medicine and hygiene kits are needed.
Once the floodwaters recede, then the second phase of aid will resume. It will include measures to rehabilitate livelihoods (especially agriculture), with the reconstruction and restoration of infrastructures and schools.
“Today, the situation is still worrying and difficult. But those affected remain strong and resilient and believe in the survival instinct, as well as the inner spiritual strength that leads man to life and gives hope for the future”, Archbishop Travas says, praising ordinary people from different walks who show compassion and kindness to strangers.
He says that small gestures can make a difference. The teachers and staff at the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese Karachi donated a day’s salary to aid organized by the Catholic Church. He notes that volunteers from all walks of the life are volunteering their time to assist in humanitarian relief. “It may seem like everything is lost or that people are suffering spiritual drought when you look at the hardships and struggle to survive. Msgr. Travas.
Bishop Shukardin of Hyderabad concurs, reiterating that despite the challenges people face, spirituality is alive and well. Catholics are helping all, Christians and Muslims, helping those who need it during these difficult times,” he said, noting the gratitude in society towards the Catholic church for the aid that was put in place. With 95% of farmers in crisis, farmers will need fresh seeds and plants to grow after the flood waters recede. Caritas has also organized intervention programs.
According to the Bishop of Hyderabad, the most affected people in the Diocese of Hyderabad are women, children, and those who receive health care at the Catholic Hospital of St. Elizabeth and other health facilities in the region.
Baluchistan’s life was already difficult because of poverty, terrorism, political instability and unemployment. Natural disasters can exacerbate poverty, but “our people even if they’re poor materially, have a strong faith which generates courage, hope, and all that is needed,” says Bishop Khalid Rehmat OFMCap, Apostolic Vicar from Quetta. He says that winter is approaching and the displaced will need warm clothes, blankets, and tents as many sleep in open areas and along the streets, as their homes are destroyed.
Caritas Pakistan has continued to support the rescue operations in the various diocesan dioceses. Volunteers as well as nuns, priests, communities, and ecclesial organizations are doing their best.
According to the United Nations estimate, more than 30 million people had been affected by the disaster that claimed 1,500 lives, including 552 children. More than 600,000. people are currently sheltering in relief camps that have been set up by international and national humanitarian agencies.
The southern province of Sindh is still under water. Experts warn that it could take six to six months for the waters recede. However, there are concerns that epidemics and diseases could spread, creating a health emergency. (PA/SD) (Agenzia Fides, 22/9/2022)
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Source: fides.org
