Post-flood dilemma: a year has passed but not the sufferings of DI Khan

By: Asmar Hussain

DI KHAN: In the southern reaches of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, there lies a region that endured the wrath of foods in 2022, yet it curiously remains absent from the national alertness. Dera Ismail Khan, a district steeped in history and culture, finds itself grappling with the aftermath of devastating floods, a calamity that appears to have escaped the attention of those in power.

As a native of this region and a witness to the unfolding tragedy, I shed light on the dire situation that necessitates immediate attention and intervention.

Witnessing a Silent Crisis

As a landscape photographer hailing from Dera Ismail Khan, my journey has taken a sombre turn over the past year. The lens that once captured the picturesque vistas of Pakistan now bears witness to a silent crisis unfolding in the flood-ravaged areas of my homeland. Volunteering in these areas has unveiled a heartbreaking and infuriating reality, a testament to the neglect and apathy that has befallen Dera Ismail Khan.

Sufferings: 365 Days and Counting

Despite the widespread devastation that gripped 80% of the district, Dera Ismail Khan remains conspicuously absent from the list of calamity-stricken districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A year has elapsed, yet the promises of relief and reconstruction remain elusive, leaving hundreds of thousands in a state of despair and uncertainty.

The pledges of the previous government have faded into oblivion, leaving the residents of Dera Ismail Khan grappling with the harsh realities of neglect and isolation. As the last district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Dera Ismail Khan has historically been relegated to the periphery, overlooked in developmental initiatives and, tragically, in disaster relief efforts.

A Microcosm of Neglect and Desperation

During my recent visit to the flood-affected villages in Paroa Tehsil, one of the four tehsils of Dera Ismail Khan, the scenes of devastation were palpable. Families, who once thrived in their homes, now find solace in makeshift tents, a stark reminder of the government’s failure to respond effectively to the crisis.

Read: Four million children in Pakistan have no safe water, a year after deadly floods: UNICEF

Surveys have been conducted, documenting the extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Yet, the wheels of relief seem to be mired in a quagmire of bureaucracy and indifference. Thousands wait with bated breath, hoping for the assistance needed to rebuild their lives and restore a semblance of normalcy.

The Urgent Need for Government Intervention

The time for action is now. The residents of Dera Ismail Khan cannot afford to be ensnared in a cycle of promises and delays. The Government of Pakistan must acknowledge the gravity of the situation and declare Dera Ismail Khan a disaster-stricken district, opening the door for much-needed relief and reconstruction efforts.

As a witness to this unfolding tragedy, I implore the authorities to act swiftly and decisively. The people of Dera Ismail Khan deserve more than hollow promises; they deserve to be seen, heard, and aided in their time of need.

A Plea for Recognition and Relief

In the face of adversity, the unwavering spirit of the people of Dera Ismail Khan shines through. Nevertheless, resilience alone cannot rebuild homes or restore lost livelihoods. It is high time for the government to fulfill its responsibility, ensuring that Dera Ismail Khan is no longer relegated to the shadows of neglect and indifference.

Through this article, I extend an earnest plea, a call to action, urging the government to acknowledge the plight of Dera Ismail Khan and to marshal the necessary resources to provide relief to this beleaguered region. Let us not allow the pleas of Dera Ismail Khan to go unanswered. Let us unite in solidarity, advocating for justice, acknowledgment, and the urgently required intervention that the people of Dera Ismail Khan so desperately require.