Three months after devastating rains submerged a third of the country, hundreds of families still need assistance. Led by Archbishop Benny Mario Travas of Karachi, the local Caritas geared up to help displaced people in St Michael’s parish. “My husband and I were looking for divine help," said one beneficiary.
Karachi (AsiaNews) – Three months since the monsoon rains struck southern Pakistan in August, aid is still needed.
On Monday, Caritas Karachi handed out a hundred food parcels with hygiene kits and tents to residents in Yousaf, Younus, Safiuel Murri, New Youhanabad and Mir Khan, villages that fall within St Michael’s parish. The local archbishop, Mgr Benny Mario Travas, and several clergymen were present at the ceremony.
The assistant parish priest, Fr Daud Javed, recited a prayer before aid was distributed, while the Archbishop Travas, said he was happy to be with the volunteers, noting that Caritas, as the social arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Pakistan, was created to respond to disasters and promote human development, where love meets charity.
The prelate thanked benefactors, the team of volunteers and organisers "who are working hard" to hand out aid to 100 families.
"These people are very much concerned and compassionate towards those who are living in difficult conditions," he said about Caritas donors.
Mansha Noor, executive secretary of Caritas Karachi, said that the delivery of the kits was made possible thanks to the commitment and dedication of the staff, the support of the archbishop and the collaboration of the local parish priest, Fr Ashir Ifitkhar.
Amir Robin, Caritas regional coordinator for the South, explained the charity’s flood response process, noting that Caritas Karachi also helps getting food and other aid to its offices in Hyderabad and Quetta.
“In this tense situation, my husband and I were looking for divine help," said Ms Shabnam, a beneficiary, grateful to Caritas for its support. “We have five children who go to school thanks to support from St Michael's parish," she added.