s students or professionals most of can take a break from work whenever there is a power outage for more than two hours. But think about those who are stranded in the midst of floodwaters, helplessly staring at the sky because there is nothing else left for them to do. A third of our country is currently under water. If you are sitting comfortably reading this article, you must realise the need and the responsibility to help those who need helping in the hard times.

It is sad in a way to see that some of the TV news channels are focusing only on how we came to be in the situation. Is this the best time really to discuss threadbare all the administrative flaws with the advantage of hindsight? One may be forgiven for suggesting that this is instead the time to practically do something for those lacking even the basic human needs. The idea that by the time you finish reading this piece, a few more of the flood victims may have lost the hope is scary and shocking. The times call for showing compassion towards those less fortunate than us.

In the 21st Century, where we have more comfort and luxury than in the 20th, there is no excuse for being ignorant about what is happening to our neighbours and fellow countrymen. We must shun the apathy that some people regard as a necessary byproduct of a capitalist order.

If you plan to donate supplies you should visit a fund-raising camp at a nearby university or NGO office where they can provide you with a list of items. 

A large number of people in our country are currently in the need of help. The government has had to go knocking at the United Nations door. Governments and philanthropies around the world have responded with donations and pledged. Some of the funds and resources they make available will be utilised through autonomous non-government organisations.

Depending upon the circumstances, any group of volunteers can raise funds for or acquire food items, drinking water and other supplies for the affected people. Volunteers can also help set up temporary homes for the victims, or pack boxes of food or other supplies. Fund-raising is frequently the most useful way of helping. If you plan to donate supplies, you can visit a relief camp at a nearby university or NGO office where they can provide you with a list of the items most in need currently. This will help you buy what they need the most. If you know businesses or have relatives who live in impacted regions, use the information they can provide. All things considered, it’s a good idea to figure out how to reach them first and ask them what should be sent before anything else.

Some of the overseas Pakistanis have already shown their compassion. This may be because they are more conscious of the problems families can face in the absence of their most capable members. Following the deadly earthquake in 2005 and the 2010 floods, they had organised an admirable campaign, sending almost everything that was needed in Pakistan on account of the catastrophe.

The author is an English literature student at Government College University, Lahore