Late last month, the news broke about heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan; rains that have led to flooding in many areas. The monsoon has been particularly heavy this year and subsequently caused the worst flooding since records began. The numbers affected are colossal – bigger than the tsunami of 2004. It is estimated that more than 14 million people have been affected, with 1,400 lives already lost.
I arrived here at 3am on Monday. I generally take a deep breath before leaving the arrivals hall before having to face the throngs of taxis waiting to pounce on new arrivals, so it was a relief to see a smiling face holding a board with my name on it.
Islamabad was built after independence and, as such, is a relatively new city – well planned with wide, tree-lined roads. As we drove through the city in darkness, the roads were quiet but for a few of beautifully decorated trucks, many filled with relief items destined for the flood-affected areas.
Monday was also my first day in the office and colleagues here have been working round the clock. Still they had smiles and warm welcomes.
I’m looking forward to getting to know them all better and working with them for the next couple of weeks. I’m here to support the proposal writing that will help Care deliver vital aid in the coming weeks and months. Already essential non-food items including clothing, kitchen sets, hygiene kits and plastic sheeting have been delivered to some of the worst affected areas.
Tuesday, August 11th, 2010.
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