Above, a farmer (left) shows Father James Channan the damage of recent flooding. If you would like to donate to flood victims, please see Network for Good's list of relief agencies.
Dear URI members,
I am sure by now you have come to know the terrible news that Pakistan is facing one of its worst natural catastrophes for the past week. The worst flood in Pakistan’s history happened after heavy rains in the north and in several other parts of the country.
These floods came out of the blue and no one expected it. The situation is worsening day by day. We have lost at least 280 who have died in these floods. More than 2,500 villages have been completely destroyed and over two million people have been affected. Our rivers are still out of control and they are destroying villages, crops and anything in their way. It appears as though the worst is still to come.
I made a trip with some URI friends to a nearby village called "Cha Sawan," about 50 miles away from Lahore. I saw water all around, crops destroyed and houses under 8-10 feet of water. I met to a clan of 10 families. I listened to their personal life stories about how the floodwater came to their homes and they ran to save their lives. Their crops and houses are destroyed and some have a lost some cows, bulls and buffalo as well.
I offered some financial support to 10 families for food and medicine. They were very grateful. Those affected do need much more help for wheat flour, rice, biscuits, medicine, clean drinking water and clothes.
Please keep these people in your special prayers and meditation. And if someone would like to help some of these families, you are most welcome to do so.
May Peace Prevail On Earth!
In peace,
Father James Channan OP