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Caritas Pakistan volunteers rescue fishermen amid cyclone

At least 70 fishing boats went missing last week as strong waves battered the coast of Pakistan
Caritas Pakistan volunteers rescue fishermen amid cyclone

Members of Caritas Pakistan Karachi’s disaster management committee with a salvaged boat in Karachi. (Photo: Caritas Pakistan Karachi)

Published: October 04, 2021 05:17 AM GMT
Updated: October 04, 2021 05:26 AM GMT

Members of Caritas Pakistan Karachi (CPK) disaster management committee (DMC) used a rescue boat to save fishermen stranded at sea due to Cyclone Shaheen.  

Ishaq Abbas, a member of the DMC, coordinated salvaging a boat trapped at Somar Goth beach on Oct. 1.

“Its engine had failed. It couldn’t reach the shore due to the strong waves and wind. The locals were distressed amid emergency announcements. With the help of fishing folk, our youth placed it on a wheel cart,” he said.

Cyclone Shaheen, which originated in the Arabian Sea, caused heavy rain and thunderstorms in coastal areas at the weekend, damaging fishing boats, houses and shops. Educational institutions across  Sindh province remain were closed on Sept. 30 and Karachi's administration announced a public holiday in the megacity on Oct. 1.

According to maritime authorities and the Fishermen Cooperative Society, at least 70 fishing boats went missing last week. At least 16 people were injured when a passenger coach overturned on the coastal highway. More than 30 fishing boats anchored on the coasts of Gwadar and Pasni, Balochistan province, were destroyed by giant waves.

Karachi commissioner Naveed Shaikh last week barred citizens from sea bathing amid the cyclone. He also ordered the removal of billboards from the seaport city. The ban will be enforced until Oct. 5.

They were urged to save their families and boats last week. Most of the fishermen recalled their boats

CPK's emergency response team also directed DMC members in two villages on the coastal belt to use megaphones and spread early warnings about the cyclone.

“They were urged to save their families and boats last week. Most of the fishermen recalled their boats. Refresher training on rescue, first aid and use of emergency kits usually begins before the monsoon every year. They help reduce the impact of disasters and save lives,” said Mansha Noor, executive secretary of CPK.

Last October, CPK organized a session with persons with disabilities on safety during emergencies in collaboration with the Disabled Welfare Association.

In July, 88 people died, 118 were injured and 205 houses were destroyed in flash floods.

Pakistan is among the most disaster-prone countries in South Asia, experiencing frequent disasters such as earthquakes, floods and drought.

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