Pakistani Air Force Flying Overhead

As the floodwaters are moving through the Sindh province of Pakistan, so have the relief efforts of the Pakistani Air Force.  Villagers in Thatta district have been advised to evacuate.  However, it’s unclear how many will leave.  The connection to the land is so strong that people want to live or die there.

Wing Commander Sabih Wali-ur-Rehman said in an interview with BBC, “They want to stay with their three or four goats and their food supplies.  They usually have enough for the year.  They don’t want to leave that behind and go to a camp.  Nobody there will guarantee them food for that long.”

The Pakistani Air Force has been dropping waterproof bags with 20-kilo (44 lbs) ration of milk, water, dates, and biscuits in the Sindh province.  More villages are getting devoured by the Indus River.  The floodwaters are now at risk of threatening the sixth largest city, Hyderabad.  If the water breaks through the defence system called Kotri Barrage, 2 million people are at risk.  For tonight, the barrage is holding up. 

 
The need in Pakistan is so great right now.  Wing Commander Wali-ur-Rehman sees this first-hand everyday while flying overhead.  “Sometimes they raise up the holy Quran towards the sky, begging for help.  I’m just a delivery man.  I drop all the aid I have, but I don’t know how many people I may have missed.”  However, every little bit helps.  Thus, the relief work underway by the Pakistani Air Force is greatly appreciated.  Their efforts will not be lost.