Monsoon rains accompanied by floods are not a new natural phenomenon for Pakistan. Almost every year they lead to destruction and loss of life. However, in 2022, an extreme monsoon season and accompanying floods reached catastrophic proportions, affecting all regions of the country and leaving vast swathes under water.
In the area of Jhal Magsi in Balochistan, older people are among the worst affected – a group particularly at risk due to mobility issues and existing health conditions. Many older people are reliant on help to leave their flooded homes or to build temporary shelters on dry lands. But with so many areas of Pakistan badly affected by the disaster, older people aren’t always given priority.
This is the story of their fight for survival.
Ali Bux, 70, Mirpur village
When the floods came, we climbed onto the roof, and we were bitten by scorpions. It was very dangerous. And all the time, it continued to rain.
My house is completely destroyed and has no roof. Everything we had was destroyed by the flood. We are now living in the open air.
My family had to split up. My son went to the city with his wife and children because they cannot live here.
My grandchildren cannot go to school, it is not functioning because of the floods.
My wife is depressed because of our current situation. Our life is a nightmare, in fact.
I hope that in the future, we can return to our home, but only if someone helps us rebuild it.
Mai Umeedan, 60, Pat Karira village
We earned a living with a donkey and cart. The donkey died in the flood and the cart was damaged. Now my family is on the brink of starvation.
My mother was injured while moving to a safer place. She is now in a hospital. My brother is in a hospital too. I am alone here now in my damaged house.
I need food, water and medication and support with repairing our house and recovering our livestock.
Shamal Abro, Mirpur village
My land is all gone. I don t have anything. For god s sake, please look at my area, it s all demolished. Allah saved us.
I am unable to work, my one eye is almost of no use. Wherever I go and whoever s house I am staying in, I am just sitting around.
I wish I could get some help to rebuild my house.
Khathoor Khan, 80, and his wife Aziza, Pat Karira village
A large amount of water was heading towards us, and we panicked.
I lost my farming land, as well as many of my livestock.
My wife Aziza and I are very ill.
I have four sons and three daughters and 10 grandchildren. They are living in this village and have been equally affected.
Malooka Khatoon, 70, Pat Karira village
When the flood started, we left our houses in panic and moved to the Jhal Magsi road. This left us with terrible memories.
Before the floods, we were busy farming and we earned a decent living.
Now our life is very different and difficult. We have no income and not enough food. We had to sell our goats to get food rations.
My husband Muhammad and I live in front of our damaged house in tents dropped by a helicopter.
The main problems we have are food shortages, no medical supplies and lack of water as the pipes in the village were damaged. We are living hand to mouth and don t have enough to meet our daily needs.
Find out more on how we are supporting older people affected by the devastating floods in Pakistan.