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n August 15, after numerous rains, devastating floods destroyed Mangora and its adjoining union councils in Swat. Many roofs collapsed, families were displaced and access to hospitals was disconnected. In the midst of this chaos, a 27-year-old woman-Kinat* (renamed) labor is included in the Landica’s location. His house was swept away, his luggage was lost, and the nearest hospital was inaccessible due to falling bridges and sinking roads.
For the universe, the moment was not just about becoming a mother-it became a test of life and death. There was no safe haven, access to medical care, and there was no way to access private treatment. Both his life and his children were in danger.
At this critical point, a local voluntary network, headed by Hassan Jamal, stepped in. Within hours, the universe provided a healthy baby. Thanks to the new mother named the baby.
This is not just the story of the universe – it is a mirror of the silent struggle of thousands of women during natural disasters, especially those who travel on the uncertainty of childbirth.
From survivor to volunteer
The 21 -year -old resident of Galakada No. 2, Sa’ab, Saidu Sharif, still remembers the moment when the flood waters enrolled in his community.
“The floods caused widespread destruction in our area. Many families, including me, lost houses, fields and essential goods. Water and electricity were disconnected and access to food and medical help was difficult. It was an emotional and stress time, especially for women, children and the elderly,” Simon told Sunday.
“For women, the challenges were tough,” he said.
“Women struggled to find clean drinking water and food. Hygiene was a major concern due to lack of toilets and sanitary products. Privacy and safety also had serious problems in shelters. Pregnant women and mothers with young children suffered the most troubles because of health care and transportation.”
There were no formal shelters in its area. The affected families were forced to mobilize in relatives’ homes, causing new problems.
“Most families had no choice but to live with relatives,” he said. This created crowds and unexpected problems. “
Simab chose not to hunt. He went ahead and did volunteer services.
He reminded, “I distributed food, clean water, clothes, shoes, utensils and basic medical aid. I checked women and children to understand their needs, raised awareness about hygiene and ensured that women had access to sanitary pads and health supply.”
The sounds like the universe, Samb and Hussein reminds us that flexibility is not only about the rebuilding of homes and roads – it is also about dignity, participation and protection of life.
As a female volunteer, that presence was invaluable.
“Women were more comfortable talking to volunteers. They can share sensitive issues related to health, menstruation, pregnancy and home problems. Many people said they heard and respected them for the first time.”
Simab says women volunteers bring not only material aid but also emotional relief.
“We can enter private places, talk openly and understand the needs of women,” he said.
He emphasized that all the affected people are not needed immediately.
“Women need more targeted support. This means safe, separate shelters, hygiene kits, access to health care – especially for pregnant women – and mental health services – training and employment opportunities help women build their lives with dignity.”
For this, recovery means adding women to decision making.
“Women should be part of planning and decision -making from the beginning. They know that their families and communities need the best. Training, leadership role and social awareness can strengthen their participation. Assistant women ensure fast, better and more comprehensive recovery.”
Leadership and collective action
Hansan Jamal stood behind the voluntary response, who mobilized his team during the flood hours.
“When the floods came, many people lost everything overnight – houses, food, medicine, shelter. The most essential need was to save and medical access,” Hassan told The News on Sunday. “We tried to identify very weak families, especially women, children and the elderly, and shared whatever resources we can handle.”
It was a certain moment to help save Kan, the universe and its newborn.
“Even if it was delayed for a few hours, the mother and the baby could not survive. Women volunteers like Sadra and Simab played the most important role. In our community, women often do not talk to men about their needs. It would not have been possible without the volunteers of these women.”
The newborn, the courage of the universe, and the laughter network together tells a story that does not often do. In 2022, UNFPA estimated that 650,000 pregnant women in the flood -hit areas lacked access to health care. 73,000 were provided in just one month.
The sounds like the universe, Samb and Hussein reminds us that flexibility is not only about the rebuilding of homes and roads – it is also about dignity, participation and protection of life.
An independent journalist from Swat District, Waqar Ahmed, is a PhD scholar in the media and mass communication. They have reported climate change, environment, human rights, education and elections. It can be arrived at waqar.swaty93@gmail.com
