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While the loss of life and property is insurmountable, it is equally disturbing to see such a high number of children being adversely affected. Be it the large number of lives lost when schools collapsed during the earthquake or the recurrent cases of drowning and electrocution we see each year during the monsoon season, where a great number of children die or suffer life-long disabilities.
This year, excessive rainfall has also created a disaster-like situation in many parts of Pakistan. Heavy monsoon downpours have caused the deaths of hundreds of people, including children. Over time, the country has developed mechanisms, at governmental and non-governmental levels, to manage and mitigate the disastrous effects. However, there is still a need to improve the system. Two important steps that should be taken as priorities are: construction of safe schools to protect children in the case of emergencies like fire or earthquake and reduction of the risks of accidents caused by open sewers and live wires during the rainy season.
With a little effort, such death traps that cause unnecessary losses can be eliminated. After the heavy rains in and during the rehabilitation work in the rural areas of Sindh province, I observed a very interesting phenomenon. Many children took a great interest in the development work and even proposed new plans for their schools, playgrounds, and streets. Children should have a right to participate in decisions that affect their lives.
Therefore, their concerns should be addressed, most especially in disaster prevention and rebuilding processes. I recently had the opportunity to speak with a group of children and share some ideas about their participation in important issues.
