Flood Disaster In Pakistan
75
A DROP IN THE OCEAN
A drop. That is all it is. Falling from the sky… like rain... like tears… pouring into the sea of human misery. A drop of water… a ripple created… a storm that rages.…. how it plays havoc with lives… erasing memories... washing away dreams! And within hours, 20 million lives changed forever, floating on its surface like debris, like broken sticks falling into liquid darkness.
A SINKING LAND
A land that is home to the sons and daughters of the soil – simple farmers most of them - born and raised on it and eventually returning to it. This land is all they have... and for months, they toil under the burning sun, cultivating and sowing it with rice, cotton and vegetables - the harvest from which keeps them from the brink of starvation! Even their homes are built from the earth, brown and malleable between their roughened palms like the tanned skin on their faces: humble little dwellings that are the only shelter they know.
Yes, it's they who suffer today - not the rich in big cities, nor the corrupt politicians who let them down, nor even the Taliban who the west imagines them to be. It's the land itself that like a fickle lover, turns against them now : laying waste their crops... killing livestock..... destroying bridges and roads... eroding towns, shops, schools, every last trace of infrastructure... sinking their homes and hopes alike. Sending them reeling back into the dark ages... with one final gesture of betrayal.
AN EXODUS
And in their desperation, they flee, except there's no place to run. Hedged in within their own homeland... it seems as if the very bowels of the earth have emptied out their insides, while the sky tired of carrying its burden, has decided to let go at last. Raining darkness and destruction…. stretching on endlessly as far as the drenched eyes can see. And all that swims in its midst is human life… catching at straw hopes, left drowning in it's own pain.
AID - CAN IT EVER BE ENOUGH?
The desperate scramble for food.... seen in every village from one end of the country to the other, the same hungry faces... turned beggars overnight... and never enough food! In places where relief camps are set up, one has to cue for hours for food, and even then one paltry portion has to be shared between a dozen starving mouths. Yes, wherever you go, hands stretched out....begging... as if the helicopters above aren't just giving out food, but the final deliverance from their suffering and hardship.
It seems as if the floods have exposed a chasm born of years of hunger....
.....and nothing ever can fill the void.
Surrounded by a sea of water, and yet not being able to drink it! Water-borne diseases threaten in every sip.... yet how long can random mineral water bottles thrown from above, sustain a family without a penny left in the world to buy more once it runs out...?
How hunger can bring man to his knees..... how a basic meal become the sole purpose of his existence!
AND THE CHILDREN....
...with their uncomprehending eyes.... staring back at you... with distended bellies and bare rags to cover them. Many are left to fend for themselves, plagued by mosquitoes and diarrhea, the conditions under which they're surviving simply unimaginable! That is if they eventually survive.
THE HEROES
And some unsung heroes tread amongst them too. Ordinary people swimming the waters every day, searching for victims, saving lives, making a difference where nothing really can. Unpaid, unrewarded... yet unbeaten in spirit.
SOME WAITING...
Yes, waiting, always waiting. Eyes lifted up... ears strained. What else do they have left to do but hope for the waters to recede... and land to emerge on which to walk on. And maybe, wake up from the nightmare that follows them by day and into their sleepless nights.
WITH AND WITHOUT HOPE
.....old and young likewise.
And yet some who despite being exhausted....still hold on.
While others begin to pick up the pieces... except where does one start?
AND LASTLY...
A hope and a prayer... that one day perhaps these people will know respite from the heavy burden of their existence and be able to build their homes again... safe, warm... and dry at last. While we, the rest who silently watch... will go back to our lives happier, content.... and perhaps, more grateful for the simple joys and small mercies of life.
* Unless otherwise specified, all pictures have been taken from google images.
FACTS ABOUT THE FLOOD DISASTER IN PAKISTAN:
- 20% of Pakistan is under water – the country’s worst flooding in 80 years.
- 800,000 people have been cut off from civilization and can only be reached by air.
- More than 1,500 people have been killed as floods swept from north to south.
- 36,000 suspected cases of potentially fatal diarrhoea reported so far.
- 16 aid camps run by militant Islamist groups sites have been shut down to stop the spread of extremists.
- Pakistan army has deployed 60,000 troops for relief efforts.
 | Amazon Price: $13.49 List Price: $26.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $9.99 List Price: $21.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $26.95 |
 | Amazon Price: $11.88 List Price: $28.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $6.30 List Price: $16.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $9.69 List Price: $16.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $28.00 |
OTHER HUBS ON FLOOD DISASTER IN PAKISTAN:
- Pakistan's Worst Flooding in Decades Affects 20 Mill...
6:13 And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. I will begin by saying religion is... - Reflections on time and life
Reflections on time and life This year I have had a problem with my hands which has turned out to be carpal tunnel syndrome. I will be having operations on them in November. Then after a short time I... - Pakistan Floods - Worst Floods in History have hit P...
I have wanted to write on this issue for some time, but didn't write for reasons that are either unknown to me too or I just con't get myself to express and explain them. Maybe one of the reasons is cruel...
pakistan - vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (14)
- Funny
- Awesome (4)
- Beautiful (7)
- Interesting (1)
CommentsLoading...
@ Mentalist: Exactly. The corrupt politicians exploit them, and the rich persist within their bubbles, while Taliban threaten to explode (literally as well)... and all along, the poor keep on suffering... Thank you for reading and your comment. I couldn't have summed it up better.
MOW, Very good Hub. You missed an important point. I have a Hub about countries that help and those that don't. Muslim countries pledge aid, but do not send any. Pakistan has also turned down aid from India. Politics over everything. Good job. H
Hello Harvey, nice to see you! I know what you mean, but it comes down to politics again, doesn't it? And I wanted to keep the focus of the hub on just the common man (as is always my aim). But yes, I agree with you, and even now one of the biggest donors of aid are the Americans and British, while the muslim countries trail way at the bottom. (even China for that matter!). Btw. Pakistan finally accepted India's aid - trust me, those greedy politicians could never say no to money for long! Take care and thank you for reading. Will check out your hub soon too :)
The pictures tell the whole story. Now if they could get politics and hatred out of the way, perhaps people could be helped.
@ breakfast: Yes, the images convey more than my words ever could. I just haven't been able to get them out of my mind for days now - some of them are beyond description even. And it's not the politics that concern me most, but how human life can survive under harsh conditions like these... and how it makes one value one's own life with all it's little comforts! Thank you for reading - much appreciated.
voted up & useful! What a wonderful, well written hub informing us as the media won't as to the devastation and need. May God bless and supply the needs and efforts of this dear nation.
@ samsons: Thank you for stopping by and reading. Nice to meet you :)
Its the smiles that make me cry the most. People will survive in any way they can. Beautifull hub MOW.
I know.... this is another kind of rain justine, isn't it? One that clouds all sunshine. But perhaps, who knows, even they have their moments.. :) Thank you for being here... and that hub of yours that still stays with me... xx
your welcome, always.
Awesome hub again MOW. So tragic and again the poor suffer.
@ DM: :) xx
@ Cally: Yes, always the poor... I wish... I so wish though that just by the sheer force of our will, we could give them a better life! Thank you so much for stopping by - I truly value you as a reader... take care, sending much love x
Every time I see the coverage of this on the news, I just can't believe how bad it is and how long it is lasting. Just tonight, more families fleeing because the floods are catching up with them...it really is such a devastating scenario. And an area the size of England..I just can't imagine what it must be like, literally nowhere to go. Every time I see little children on there, I wonder how on earth any parent can look after them amidst all that dirty water, day in day out. All the germs and diseases that must be rife in it...it seems such a helpless situation. Like you say, it just makes us appreciate all the comforts and luxuries we have in our own lives. And by looking at the pictures, we see the individuals who are suffering - just ordinary people, with thoughts, hopes and feelings. I just hope it gets better for them soon. Anyway, take care x
This was heartbreaking. Those people!! Hardworking farmers reduced to waiting in a long, long queue for food or water for their children. I agree with breakfastpop--the children and the pictures tell the whole story.
I have no real idea of the politics of the situation. It is clear in the beginning of the article that Mother Nature betrayed these people with such terrible flooding. It is politics that prevents an effective relief for their suffering.
Those pics reminded me of the Dust Bowl, in the United States, when millions of tenant farmers were dispossessed by dust storms raging across the midwestern breadbasket--the topsoil was gone, gone, gone, and nothing would grow. The starving people left their farms to look for work, any kind of work, in other states.
@ Polly: Thank you for reading and your great comment. Yes, I know what you mean. I think we cannot even begin to grasp the extent of this disaster and god knows how these people are even surviving. I was talking to some friends in pakistan and they kept telling me that it is just horrific what's happening there and that this would be a huge challenge for any country, let alone one poor like pakistan.
The other day, I heard a story about one of the flood victims - a mother who lost her three small children because they were desperate for drinking water, and when they couldn't find any, ended up drinking the contaminated river water. It was heartrending to see her crying... and all she kept saying was, 'I tried stopping them all day, but they were so thirsty that I let them... hoping they would survive. But they didn't.' I still keep thinking of her...
@ Paradise: Grim pictures, aren't they? Each tells a story beyond words actually. The worst part is, that these were hardworking, self respecting people who've been forced into extreme poverty and starvation - the impact of which will last for years to come. Some of the people had spent all their lives collecting the little pieces of furniture in their homes; had saved up for years to buy livestock that supported them or set up the little shops that brought them their humble income - all of which have been wiped off from the face of this earth! It's their whole life's work that has been taken away and I wonder if anything can compensate. Tragic really. Thank you for stopping by... it's wonderful seeing you here :)
MYO as always the work you do here brings a lump to my throat. The pictures of the children always tear me up. Maybe I am just turning into an old softie. 20% underwater ? That is just insane. I know that my prayers are with them. And I hope somehow someway these folk can find some relief.
@ tony: Yes, it's just unimaginable, isn't it? So much rain fell that the dams holding back the rivers just burst and this further deteriorated the situation. And in the north of the country, most of the villages were built within valleys, so the floods caused landslides and destroyed every single bridge there was - it's like literally being isolated on an island now. Hell, one can condemn wars and human injustice, but how does one fight against natural disasters on this scale? Anyway, thank you for feeling this with me tony... you're one of my favorite people here, softie and all, so never change! love, x
mow, I read this late last night while in bed. I couldn't comment then. Thank you so much for pouring your heart into this tragedy. We see these images in the paper or on tv and it's just too difficult to grasp the 'realness' of it all. When I hear of these massive floods and natural disasters, it makes we wonder how we communicate these situations to our young ones, what will history say of this? It reads like stories from long ago that don't happen in our lifetimes.
the images are heart-wrenching and put it in perspective, the mother carrying her children through the waters, the man hanging on literally for his life, the woman working, the stranger saving others. at some point, we are no longer strangers. people realize humanity is connected, we feel and hope for the same things. much love and hopefully these people will receive the help they need! xo
Those are beautiful words Rebekah... and I know it must have been an effort even to express what one must feel looking at these pictures. I felt the same for days - nights rather, lying in the dark... thinking how powerless we are against such calamities... how our own struggles seem so petty almost...and yet, how very lucky we are too. One common humanity, yes... and there is, I know a lesson to be learnt here... one of gratitude perhaps... once the initial sense of helplessness passes away. Thank you my friend for being here... for understanding. Take care, always x
I was in the Philippines last year when this happened there, it is heartbreaking to see so many people made homeless and suffering..
Great hub and a fantastic collection of pictures.
@ LeanMan: Thank you for reading and the appreciation. Yes, Philippines, Haiti, China, and now lately in Africa...(not to mention, countless other places) there is, it seems no escape from natural disasters and the suffering they cause. Anyway, I've been meaning to read some of your hubs on saudi life, so will be dropping by soon. Take care :)
I have seen most of these pictures many times while reading the Pakistani news online or seen the news on BBC. They have brought tears to my eyes many times seeing them and their misery.
It does not seem possible that such devastation could happen. I only hope and pray that it is not too long before these people can get back home and get the help they need.
Many countries are helping and I am glad every time I hear of help being sent, I only hope it does not land in the wrong place but that those for whom it is meant receive it.
Possessions may be valuable to the people but it is life that is lost that can never be replaced. So many lives have been lost, they will leave a huge whole in so many families for a long time to come.
Thank you for writing this hub.
Another very thought-provoking yet heart-breaking hub captured very well by photos. I don't understand why the Muslim nations don't or can't help them. They are some of the richest nations in the world. I'm sure it all boils down to politics and that is so sad. I feel blessed to live in a country that is always ready to help when there is need.
@ Humming, my friend thank you for your wonderful words. Unfortunately, the conditions are only worsening by the day and I'm afraid it will send many over the edge of extreme poverty. For example, how can you help farmers who's entire harvest has been washed away, along their humble homes and all the basic utilities they spent years to buy? These people don't have any savings - they live day to day off their land and for them its like slow death within their lifetime. Depressingly tragic... and a very difficult situation to handle for any govt - let alone one as corrupt as the Pakistani one!
International aid has been generous yes, but it's up to the people of pakistan to help each other and from what I've heard, independent charities within the country are working by the clock to help. So, perhaps, hope is not all lost... Take care, I know what a compassionate person you are and that this would have moved you deeply...much love x
@ Cari: Thank you for your appreciation and the great comment. Americans and British have been amazingly generous, as they always are in helping people all over the world in moments of crisis - while most muslim nations, though the first to criticize the 'west,' have hardly helped at all. But I feel Pakistanis should stop relying on international aid and help themselves and I hope they find the strength within them to reach out to each other. And yes, it's a mercy living in a developed, 'sane' part of the world... and I cannot ever take anything for granted here. Take care :)
This hub reads like a special published by "National Geographic". You did right, keeping to the human element here. It's the suffering and the human story behind this awful event, and the many, many people left devastated by the floods. The politics is ever around - like a vulture that hovers as an unwelcome omen. Can the world ever look past all that and do something about the suffering and the people? I was touched by the kids who managed smiles in that picture. If only they knew what was really happening around them. I'm sure there are less savory pictures of what is happening, but I praise you for capturing the most important things here, MOW. This is a very moving hub.
There must be some amazing things happening here further again. What I mean here is that sometimes terrible things that happen can make people stop what they do and do other heroic things, and reaching out to help fellow man and woman. There will be terrible losses and difficult challenges, but right now Pakistan needs all the help it can get. Great and moving writing MOW, as always. You keep it real, you are one of the few who knows how.
@ Cheeky, ah you're one special person and have such a way with words! Thank you for your warm and wonderful comment. I know what you mean. These pictures, while speaking volumes, convey only part of the grim and ugly reality, esp. of the disease and starvation rampant there...
And yet, as you say, it has given so many a chance to show heroic courage and reach out to those in need - and there is immeasurable beauty in that too. I sometimes think even human tragedy serves a greater purpose after all... it has to... it must... and i.e of teaching us gratitude. And maybe, god somehow gives those who are suffering strength to bear their hardship too... or how else could this world have persisted? It's life reaffirming itself, despite all.
Thank you for being you... and also for your reply to my comment the other day on your hub. I never forgot : "all living things need helpful belonging." That was beautiful. Take care, always xx
Hello MOW, once again like always you have presented a masterpiece…the pictures say the whole story of suffering, hunger and death…I have always admired your concern and felt your pain which you feel towards the people of your nation and religion…it is almost like you want to lend your arm to help all the sufferings in the region, but you are not able to do so because of your shortcomings…I am glad that you choose to write what you do, as whoever reads your hubs is completely moved from body and soul…all one can do is to forward their most humble prayers and hope things would change for the better…best… thank you sharing your thoughts…take care…
@ Magic: hello, jamsheed, there you are always... full of kindness and words of encouragement for me. How have you been? I hope I'll get to read a hub from you soon too. Yes, there is nothing I feel more deeply about than human suffering, esp. when it's injustice towards the poor and defenseless...and god knows, I sometimes even struggle against these words in trying to convey it. But it's not just pakistan.... another very sensitive spot with me is africa... and I hope to travel there some day and write more about its people. (Right now, my own kids need me too much). Anyway, thank friend for making me smile and feel special... for always being here. Means a lot to me... take care x
Hi MOW, wonderful piece again (actually sad). And the children -- most of all, hmm, they need help -- water is very important plus food. Help in all aspect is needed at this time. Life is already hard and the resiliency of the people is there I can see it in some pics here. What we can do is pray and in some little ways, we should help them.
Thanks again MOW, Maita
it is like the end of world day. i've always complained about the miseries in life, but compared with those, it could be nothing.
@ Maita thank you again for reading and feeling this with me. Yes, human life is more resilient than we know, and it often makes me believe in a higher force that somehow restores order to things and keeps this world from completely falling apart. Even now in the midst of this chaos, one can see the positive forces at play... and may hope live through them. Much love and hugs x
@ cyber: End of the world , yes seems like it, doesn't it? But hopefully, not yet my friend... Thank you for stopping by. :)
I feel for these people who did nothing wrong and want nothing more than to survive. It is nearly impossible to imagine a life where every action is geared only toward short-term survival. Their courage and tenacity in the face of such hopelessness is amazing. The singleness of purpose needed simply to get through their day is astonishing.
The inequity of life saddens me--how so many people live in luxury without conscience while such suffering continues. I wish for a time when everyone could have a safe place to live with access to food and medicine. That shouldn't be too much to ask, should it?
MOW, you see things so clearly and I have so much respect for you as a writer. Thanks for sharing your vision with us.
Mike
Its heart breaking to see these type of disasters, but unfortunately the leaders don't understand the common mans' pain and need.
Hope to see Pakistan back on its foot soon
May God bless those working selflessly.Thanks for common man's HUB
@ Mike: Thank you for your wonderful comment. I know exactly what you mean - god knows how many times I have wondered the same things. And yes, just wanting the basic necessities for survival for everyone in this world should not be too much to ask for... and yet it seems, it is.
Reminds me always of Maslow's hierarchy of human motivation, according to which (put simply) there are stages/levels at which human beings exist - the need for food, water and shelter the very basic ones...while the need for spiritual experiences (art, music, religion etc) and self awareness the highest one. And a person can rarely aim for higher things in life if his very basic needs are constantly threatened or he has to fight just to exist! Yes, inequity of life.... the hardest reality to this world. Take care Mike... you are without doubt one of my favorite hubbers here. :)
@ Friend of Friends: Thank you for your kind thoughts... I'm sure positivity has a way of reaching places where it's most needed - at least, I hope it does. Nice meeting you :)
ironically humans need disasters to bridge divide..The most hated country in pakistan was first to reach with supplies..the country dubbed as enemy raised aid to $25 million and rich of pakistan are trying their best to reach out to poors..it is testing time and i hope needy gets served with urgency..corruption is issue which worries me..i hope that in hour of calamity even corruption gets defeated this time...
@ pisean: How are you old pal? Cheers for your great comment! India has been more than generous and this gesture alone shows the mighty heart of that amazing country! Ironically enough, the hostility between the two countries is more a politically charged thing and I see how the younger generations are coming together... the legacy of hatred eventually dispersing.
I'm sure this has been said a hundred times before, but I still think to this date that it was the worst thing ever to slice up the subcontinent like that and forcefully divide it's people. My own father was one of the people who who had to leave his home (in Rajistan) and migrate... not to mention the bloodshed of millions! I guess, civil war is what you get for foreign invasion in any country and I still blame that for the cause of the war and misery that ensued for years to come. (Thanks to the politicians, Pakistan is still a mess of course....!) But more power to Indians for steering their nation towards success and I have only admiration for it's people. Thank you for being here and that amazing point you raised.
@mow hey mow your comment reminds me of one song..panchi,nadiya,pavan ke jhoke..koi sarhad na inhe roke..sarhad insaano ke liye hai ,socho tumne aur maine kya paya insaan hoke...
I strongly believe that peace is right of people of India and Pakistan..One day these manipulations , these divides shall evolve into mature harmonious way of supporting each other and growing..Pakistan and India both have immense potential and can really achieve their dreams..I believe...
I am feelin' so shattered... :/
wish..cud b a 'super' hero but well, I am playing a small part to save 'a' drop in the universal ocean.......help to Pakistan I sent through helpin' my aunt cook and prepare for a fund raise here in Adelaide. But well 'myownworld' wish I could live in it ONLY...we gotta play our roles everywhere. Thanks for this hub, I was thinkin' to write but u did your share at hubs. Thanks again..REALLY.
@words cocktail i am moved and inspired by your comment..man i appreciate your efforts...
@ pisean: ah... Not sure, but those words, aren't they from the movie, Border? I know.. I know what you mean... it's always the people who suffer in between....except in this case, it's even sadder because pakistanis and Indians are all born of the same roots. Well, we all live in hope, don't we? Btw. it would have been amazing if we met in real life, I think we could really be great friends! :)
@ words: Your comment really made me smile... You ARE a hero already... maybe, that's how real life heroes are - they just do real things... and above all, they reach out. And you're doing just that. I sometimes think I value people who FEEL things sincerely and truly just as much, if not more, than those who translate them into action... for even a burning desire within must somehow turn to good karma and make a difference somewhere. Crazy way of thinking, I know... but then, that's also part of how things work in 'my world' - which is not so much mine but everyone's, if you ask me. Take care friend, nice meeting you :)
@mow..well I am sure I would meet you some day..With kind of thoughts you have, I am very much hopeful that you would write book someday and would come to India during book trip and I would be there to get your autograph..I am totally sold out to your writing..
@ pisean, you're very kind..thank you for your belief in me... I yearn for time enough to sit and write and just write.. but my life/work/studies just don't leave space for focused attention for long, hence HP fills in the little creative gaps in between. But even before a book, I might just visit India soon. I want to photograph some of the architecture there and write about it. Maybe, you can we can show me the heart of India then.. take care friend x
To me it seems like another flood affected city in India.The recent monsoon rains that played havoc throughout northern India left lot of people homeless and many lost their near and dear ones.You can't fight nature's fury but when you see others helping them that gives you some relief.Sitting far away the only way to help them seems to be contributing money and essentials.
You covered the saddest part of this disaster very well.It moved me.
@ Uma: Thank you for your wonderful comment. There is no limit to what one CAN do, except the needs here are limitless too... and that I think is the hardest part to accept. May we always be in a position to give... and reach out. Take care :)
Great hub.it is very painful situation.Many people have died and homeless.People's residence have fully destroyed.Only Pakistani government can control this situation for help.Your images are very effective.I shall want to say all nations that help for control his condition of Pakistani people.
@ Art: Thank you for reading and your comment. I think above all, that pakistani people need to help each other instead of relying on external aid... and only then can the country rise out of this darkness that has befallen it. Cheers for stopping by. :)
You pour incredible volumes of passion, emotion and empathy into your Hubs. A Hub like this strikes hearts and minds and souls to the extent that one cannot simply click away without realizing there is pain in this world and we all should help. We may not be able to help people half a world away, but we can directly help someone close at hand. What would this world be if each and every person reached out once a day to someone in need. You are a powerful writer and a strong voice. Your command of the English language is beautiful. Please keep that voice strong and know that you touch many. That touch spreads to others and one day, the ripples of these connections help turn the tide of indifference and greed. Thank you for your voice in this world.
You truly overwhelm me with your words... and I'm left yet again at a loss to convey how truly I appreciate them. (I still think of the 'Midnight' hub and all the replies to my comments under your hubs). As a writer, these moments make you soar. So, no words tonight... but a silent, deeply meant smile of gratitude is all I have. I send it along with all the inspiration in the world... take care my friend. Will soon find some time to read more of your work :)
Hi MOW, I am really impressed with this latest hub from you. You always convey what a lot of us think or indeed feel. I have heard that there have been more floods, and more areas and towns have been destroyed. It is shocking to think so much destruction can be caused by nature. But at least it was not caused by war or bombs or bullets. I hope the international community rally to the defense and assistance of these poor people. They have endured so much these past years. I love reading your hubs, I learn so much from them, and you. Thank you.
@ Astra: What a pleasant surprise to see you here and thank you for your great comment. It seems man and nature both have been tough on these people and that there is little respite for them from wars and hardships. International aid has been generous and only today Angelina Jolie was touring Pakistan, drawing more attention to the plight of it's people. But unfortunately, the scale of the disaster is so huge that I wonder if any amount of help can ever be enough! Thank you for stopping by and for caring... much love x
Its nice that Angelina Jolie who is a non Pakistan resident actually goes there and takes in the true experience of the disaster whilst you sit in your comfy London home and no nothing of the scale of the disaster except what you see on Sky News, why dont you and your hubby fly back and help your fellow people, at least I am true to my Irish Roots. I have sympathy for Pakistan but not hubs written from a comfy London home !
@ TG: Kindly don't presume things about what I do or don't do in my real life. I don't have to advertise what I am personally doing for the people in pakistan, nor is this hub written for that purpose. Thank you for your comment.
Lol blocking comments now, the true sign of someone who uses a disaster, having lived in Ireland throughout the Troubles, seen friends murdered and not cleared off to somewhere safe like London I find you an attention seeker !
"I shall die here. Every last inch of me shall perish. Except one. An inch. It's small and it's fragile and it's the only thing in the world worth having. We must never lose it, or sell it, or give it away. We must never let them take it from us..." - V for Vendetta
Or bugger it lets settle for a nice life in a comfy London flat and write about our country, methinks ya shud remove the V for Vendeatta quote, so not you !
Don't. Don't even begin to start here Art. The only reason I ever broke contact with you is because you harassed and insulted a friend of mine - a dear and well respected hubber here. And even then, I walked away from it all. But don't you even begin to insult people who have no voice in this world except the one we struggle to give them. I have poured my heart into each and every word I've written here... and if there is one thing in this world I love and care about its those who suffer in this world. So, nothing you can EVER say can take that away from me.
And what do you know about how I live my life here, what I do for a living or what I do for pakistan itself. I came to this country for my children, to give them a better future - and I have every right to do that. More, I came here for higher education - something I'm in the process of - so that I can go back and work for my country. Part of what I earn here goes to support a school for children in lahore - where more than 200 children receive free education because of money earned here - something I could never do had I been living in that country. And whatever extra money I get from my moderation and writing goes for charity - yes, not even a penny of it goes into my purse. So, don't tell me what patriotism is! Hardly a year back I was in lahore and already my ticket has been booked for another trip - one in which every single day is spent trying to better lives there. But hell, just because I don't want to drag my children into a war zone or advertise all this, you have the nerve to come and attack me for it?
These people NEED someone to speak up for them. What do I care what I personally gain from it? Hub esteem? What the hell is that? Why is it so hard for you to accept that some people CAN be sincere and not have to resort to petty tactics to live their lives and reach out to others. And I really don't get why you are out there to attack me anyway - do I come commenting under your hubs, no! If you don't like what I write or who I am, then just leave me alone and don't read my work. But, above all, leave my country and it's people out of it!
I have reported this conversation to the Hub staff - kindly do not comment here as I will only delete it. I dont want this hub tarnished by negative and petty attacks in COMPLETE disregard for the million of lives affected in Pakistan. If you really care that much for human life then instead of waging a war against me, contribute to the flood charity. Your energy could save a life this very minute. Thank you.
Wow, hard to believe someone attacking you for being a caring and compassionate person. I stumbled on this hub by accident and am glad I did. I too have much compassion for the sufferers of this world. Nice job. Peace!! Tom
@ justom, never mind, this is SUCH a huge tragedy... that the very least we can do is to take in its extent and seriousness, if only out of respect for the lives destroyed - while all else is immaterial before it. Thank you for reading and your kind words.
MOW, I won't tell you how well written this hub is as I believe you are already aware of that. Let me cone to the point. I see that harvy thing is spreading his useless anti Muslim stuff here on your hub also. Not that I care. But let me put some facts straight!
First, let me assure you that I am the biggest critique of Pakistani politicians.
Now I don't know if they have rejected Indian aid, but if it is true, them I am glad that they have done the best thing. The aid was only 5 million!
Remember when right after partition India was affected by floods, Pakistan was the first country to help them in every way?
And, needless to say he spreads misinformation everywhere. It is on the record that despite their critical financial condition, Pakistan has always helped other countries in disaster situations. Holland is sending a lot of aid claiming that when we were affected, Pakistan helped us a lot.
MOW, many many Muslim countries send aid to other non Muslim countries in such situations and it is on the record.
I just wanted to set the facts straight!
@PBR this is mow's hub..but i would like to calify that pakistan has not rejected the Indian aid a..India has raised aid from $5 million to $100 million...considering how India-Pak relations go, Pakistan requested India to channelized aid through un and India understanding pakistan's dilemma have agree to do so...It is not about pakistan or India , it is about being human beneath layers of muslims or Christians or hindus...I just wish pakistan recovers from that flood at earliest..
MOW: Amazing and simply heart wrenching hub again from a talented and a beautiful writer. I wont sing any praises about how well you have written it. Its a given, the quality of your writings are seen to believe. As a human being I can only imagine what these people must have undergone as being a mumbaikar we had faced a similar condition in 2005. The suffering that you have portrayed just makes me realize how blessed we are to not undergo such trauma. May God gives strength to all those affected by those floods.
Ignore that jerk who wrote such negative comments. Just goes to show his upbringing. Neways, I wish EID Mubarak to you and your family. God Bless!!!
@ PBR: Thank you for reading and your comment. I personally think it's a great gesture on India's part to donate money to Pakistan... and it really doesn't matter what the amount is. Charity is something we cannot expect as a 'right', but a gift given freely... and every little drop - of goodwill and generosity matters and should be valued for what it is. (Also, excuse me for denying your last comment, but jay wasn't referring to you here. If u read the comments above, you will understand what I mean). Anyway, thanks a lot for your input and I look forward to reading your hubs soon! :)
@ Pisean: you have every right to clarify points raised here, so thank you for your comment. As you say, this is not about how much the charity is or who gives it - as long as it reaches the right hands and betters lives that so need it. Take care friend x
@ jay, hello, nice to see you as always and cheers for that wonderful and sweet comment (as well as Eid wishes). It really made me smile. How can one weaken when words like these come to comfort and encourage one? It's how life is - one negative thing is compensated by another positive one - its how we learn to survive and keep walking along... Thank you - for being the kind person that you are. Much love x
MOW!
You won't get it and I don't blame you for this.
You see on one side India makes sure she hurts Pakistan in every possible way and then they give charity and make a hugeeeee fuss of it globally. They have some of our bureaucrats on their payrolls who will help them do such stuff!
You know they just want to look nice and we shouldn't allow them to do it at such a cheap cost! Should we?
You know what they want and speak about it openly. They think Pakistan is part of Indian territory and they must get it back, which they never will!
A disaster is always a disaster.But this time was out of limits.Sympathy for Pakistan Nation.
Wow! somehow I missed this one! How powerful and heart breaking this hub is...Hay, have you started writing a book yet? for you are quite the writer! If not a book, you should become a juneralist! My heartfelt love goes out to you for wanting to write on such subjects!
MOW, I have been up this night only to check if MOW has written any hub during my long absence here. I am moved by the thoughts and the compassion that flows in this hub. The words are heart wrenching, the pics soul stirring and you gave a gift to convey them with your writing. I have always told you, you are an exceptional writer dear.
"There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them." You are such a ray of hope for those sad hearts. You do not have to prove a thing to anyone, the ppl benefiting from it know your worth in their lives.
Keep up the good work, how I wish we could meet someday. Will keep them in my prayers.
It is devastating to see this and you always manage to touch our hearts even more with your words and pictures. You always manage to desensitize what you cover and bring some humanity back to life. You are right, words don't do it justice but you come very close.
Wow, amazing pictures and it's so completely sad for all! I can imagine but proud of you for helping and bringing awareness to us all!
I really need to read your hubs more often. The manner in which you portrayed this tragedy truly made it more tangible to me. Thank you.
Those pictures tell everything about the disaster, very touching . What can we do to help them ?
Hi MOW, reminds me of Coleridge--Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink. The most heart rending thing you wrote is in the comment about the woman with the three children. What a metaphor of our existence. I think of similar mothers in LA surrounded by gangs and she tries every day to keep her children from contact with them and inevitably she cannot any longer. I agree with you that someone more powerful and wiser than we must make sense out of and redeem the events we cannot control. Love your words and heart felt emotion MOW. =:)
My heart goes out to all these people. This was a terrific hub, myownworld. Thank you for writing it.
MOW, I knew before I opened this that I would be saddened. Your care for the common people, your quest to tell their stories is always well done. Your passion for sharing their plight is commendable. To read your work, I always have to prepare myself first.
Once again, you honor them.
it was so true !! no doubt !!
The devastation is greater than Sonami and people still could not get out of it. As winter has approached people are suffering from many diseases because they don't have shelter to live in. Its the greatest disaster and you know the reason it came was global warming. Though Asia is the continent least part of increase in global warming but it has paid the price.
MoW,Where have you disappeared? Left you a couple of notes but no reply. Missing you around, I hope we can keep in touch.
You and your hubs are solid gold. You are a delight! God bless!
Happy new Year LOL !!
@ TG: Stop harassing people on this site. Isn’t it enough that because of your repeated snide remarks, hubs and comments (many of which are now deleted) MOW left this site? And this after she stood by you and treated you like a friend.
Do you want me to recall the list of people you have targeted and harassed so far:
- Ghostwhisperer
- Lyrics
- Susanlang
- Wordscribe
- Tantrum
- Cosette
- Justine
- Ryan
- Darkside
and god knows who else! People are not fools on this site and everyone knows what you’re doing. So learn to control yourself. I’m going to report this hub to Hp staff. You better behave yourself.
Clarification go get a life and stop following my comments, and for your information I was wishing an old friend a Happy New Year.
As for harrass Darkside, Ryan or Tantrum, you are joking arent you.
Cosette left because of Wordscribe, Ghost left out of boredom, Susanlang I dont even know. Now please do yourself a big favour and get another hobby besides me !
Oh, and Happy New Year to you !
Look, TG... it's high time you leave MOW and everyone else alone. Of all hubs to randomly appear and unload yet another passive aggressive poke. It's obvious MOW poured her heart and soul into this poignant and important piece of work. For you to even consider returning to once again sully not only this hub, but the author herself, is simply disgraceful.
Clarification speaks the truth, and you know it. I have lost count how many profiles you've used to torment others, all of which have been shut down by HP staff. In fact, that's potentially beneficial to you though, isn't it? It's conveniently erased your dirty little footprints and all the maligned hubs you wrote about others. We have had no choice but to deny the spiteful comments you've made directly on our hubs, for the sake of professionalism and as a stance against harassment. But, being the opportunist you are, you've just cleverly forgotten all about that, huh? It's all about the means to the end, isn't it... no matter how many casualties there are along the way and no matter how many untruths you tell.
Normally forgiving people have been pushed too far. You know precisely who you need to leave alone, now DO IT! And stop telling lies about why people left when you know darn well YOU were the impetus.
MOW, sorry this has transpired on your hub.
Hello its been a while my friend and I am so sorry for my absence.. This brought tears to my eyes reading this.. I am so saddened by the plight of these people this is absolutely horrible.. The pictures omg; I am absolutely godsmacked at the devestation. You totally captured their struggle and displayed for all to see. ty so much for that. Without glorious,compassionate, people like you we wouldn't know about these things. I wish I could help somehow.. it pains me to see this. I pray for the people of this country, I pray for better understanding and unity amongst humanity. ty for sharing my sister ty ~hugs~
goood job mob
Hey Mo! Merciful God huh? Don't look that way to me. Great hub as usual.So where are you? You ok? I dropped out for a while. I'm now in New Jersey helping one of my son's start a manufacturing company but I'll be back publishing on Hub Pages shortly. Looks like there's a ton of people missing you so get your young buns back on Hub Pages...
Dooahhh (Man of a thousand scowles)
what a disaster, i really pity them..
some love one , some love two , i love one . that is who?
This is terrible,sometimes i wonder why innocent people have to suffer this way..Where is thy face o God?
Dothemath kiss my ass you prick, come say that to my face you spineless prick. As for MOW shes like the rest, all talk and just an immigrant sponging of the state which is what the UK has become, so please go crawl into a hole !
Hi myownworld :)
Such a sad story ~ and you write about it so poetically and beautifully ~ opening our eyes to life beyond our own experience.
I would like to thank you for the efforts you've made in writing this posting. I'm hoping the same very best function from you inside future too.
Awesome Hub - I love the photos, it is amazing to me that they have those big floods in Pakistan, How much more can they suffer
I just love the way you work. Thanks for sharing this great and interesting stuff. Fabulous
post! I really enjoyed that.
Wow thank you so much for sharing. I remember when the flood hit Pakistan. At the time I was running an international news website called The Global Standard. I remember posting many news articles from that event and even listed organizations people could donate money to support relief and recovery. I was very disappointed, however, on the lack of support or coverage of the event from mainstream media. So many people were killed or greatly impacted, yet many westerners hardly knew it had happened. Thanks again for sharing and keep up the awesome hubbing!
This is a great article which recalls the disaster that took place in Pakistan, as people have forgotten all about it and to be honest i had too, Thanks for reminding and sharing the information.
Mentalist acer Level 6 Commenter 21 months ago
Reprieve for Pakistan comes on the back of humble and the lost who now have lost meaning of not just peace but of daily bread....