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Fresno, Calif.
Relief trickles in for Pakistani flood victims


On March 3, 1998, heavy rains in southwest Balochistan, a normally dry region of Pakistan, caused the Dasht River to flood, damaging or destroying thousands of homes. Inhabitants could do nothing but flee to higher ground. In one village, a school full of children was washed away.

Initial reports indicated that over 300 people were killed and 85 villages were completely destroyed. Suffering followed when people had to relocate to higher ground with little shelter and no water.

The Pakistan government provided emergency aid for a few days, then gave $1 million US to the Balochistan provincial government for follow-up aid. However, none of those funds reached the flooded area. Today, many continue to live outside or are crowded into makeshift shelters. Most have to travel considerable distances for water.

Days following the flooding, former MBMS International missionary Keiko and H.L. Wyatt visited Turbat and began developing plans to help the residents. They cooperated with the National Rural Support Program, a government-affiliated agency that had already established committees for community organization in many of the 693 villages in the Turbat district.

MBMSI workers Craig and Bridget Hallman surveyed NRSP’s work and were impressed: “The NRSP has carefully implemented policies and procedures that were formulated at Harvard University. Community members play pivotal roles in restructuring their villages, which allows for self-determination.”

MBMSI contributed to the initial efforts of the Wyatts, and has approved continued work as a Core Plus project, coordinated by the Hallmans. Last year, $11,000 US (including $2,000 from MBMSI) was raised by the Wyatts. This year, MBMSI has donated an additional $5,000 and set a fundraising goal of $10,000.

A major focus has been building sunshelter houses, for the use of 12 to 15 people, at a cost of $200 US each. Because the region is barren, most of the materials need to be trucked in. Funds have also been used for water supply projects, to buy blankets, fix a water pump and repair school grounds.

“When we visited the villages around Turbat, ”observed Hallman, “we marveled at how any human could survive in a region that, in places, looked like pictures from the moon.

“In their terror the people fled to higher ground but this is usually several miles from the river. The few jugs they can carry by donkey or camel is just not enough to sustain a whole village. Everything was so parched, and that was during the cool season – even the chickens looked thirsty.”

The Hallmans are currently working with NRSP, drilling wells in two villages, at an estimated cost of $650 US each.

The relief work is really only a drop in the bucket compared to the extensive damage, said Hallman. “So far, work has been completed in nine villages and continues in another four, but there are scores of villages that could still use help. Immediately after the floods, politicians offered help but now other events have pushed this situation from the news. We send a powerful message about the love of God when North American Christians help a people so far away.”

In Canada, donations, tagged “Turbat Flood Relief,” may be sent to MBMS International, 2-169 Riverton Ave., Winnipeg, MB R2L 2E5.  – Jeremy Balzer, MBMS International

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Last modified September 28, 1999.

© 1999 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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