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n August 15, after relentless rains, catastrophic floods ravaged Mingora and the adjoining union councils in Swat. Many roofs collapsed, families were displaced and access to hospitals was cut off. Amid this chaos, in Landikas Mohallah, a 27-year-old woman—Kainat* (name changed)—went into labour. Her house had been swept away, her belongings lost and the nearest hospital was unreachable due to collapsed bridges and submerged roads.
For Kainat, the moment was not just about becoming a mother—it became a life-and-death ordeal. There was no access to medical care, no safe shelter and no way to access private treatment. Both her life and her baby’s were in jeopardy.
At this critical juncture, a local volunteer network, led by Hasnain Jamal, stepped in. Female volunteers Sidra Parvez and Seemab Qazi carved out a path, arranged transport to a functioning hospital and covered the medical expenses. Within hours, Kainat delivered a healthy baby. The grateful new mother named the baby Hasnain.
This is not just Kainat’s story—it mirrors the silent struggles of thousands of women during natural disasters, especially those navigating the precarious journey of childbirth.
From survivor to volunteer
Seemab, a 21-year-old resident of Gulkada No 2, Saidu Sharif, still remembers the moment when floodwaters surged into her community.
“The floods caused massive destruction in our area. Many families, including mine, lost homes, fields and essential belongings. Water and electricity were cut off and access to food and medical help became hard. It was an emotional and stressful time, especially for women, children and the elderly,” Seemab told The News on Sunday.
For women, she said, the challenges were harsher.
“Women struggled to find clean drinking water and food. Hygiene was a major concern due to the lack of toilets and sanitary products. Privacy and safety were also serious issues in shelters. Pregnant women and mothers with small children suffered the most because healthcare and transport were scarce.”
There were no formal shelters in her locality. The affected families were forced to crowd into relatives’ homes, creating new hardships.
“Most families had no choice but to stay with relatives. This caused crowding and unexpected difficulties,” she said.
Seemab chose not to remain a victim. She stepped forward and volunteered.
“I distributed food, clean water, clothes, shoes, utensils and basic medical aid. I checked in on women and children to understand their needs, raised awareness about hygiene and ensured that women had access to sanitary pads and health supplies,” she recalled.
Voices like Kainat’s, Seemab’s and Hasnain’s remind us that resilience is not only about rebuilding homes and roads—it is also about safeguarding dignity, inclusion and life.
As a female volunteer he presence was invaluable.
“Women were more comfortable speaking to female volunteers. They could share sensitive issues related to health, menstruation, pregnancy and domestic problems. Many said they felt heard and respected for the first time.”
Seemab says women volunteers bring not just material aid but also emotional relief.
“We could enter private spaces, talk openly and understand women’s needs. We helped organise women and children in camps, distributed items and maintained calm during difficult times,” she said.
She stressed that immediate relief was not all the affected people needed.
“Women need more targeted support. This means safe, separate shelters, hygiene kits, healthcare access—especially for pregnant women—and mental health services. Training and employment opportunities help women rebuild their lives with dignity.”
For her, recovery means including women in decision-making.
“Women must be part of planning and decision-making from the start. They know their families’ and communities’ needs best. Training, leadership roles and community awareness can strengthen their participation. Supporting women ensures faster, fairer and more inclusive recovery.”
Leadership and collective action
Behind the volunteer response stood Hasnain Jamal, who mobilised his team within hours of the floods.
“When the floods hit, many people lost everything overnight—homes, food, medicines, shelter. The most urgent need was rescue and medical access,” Hasnain told The News on Sunday. “We tried to identify the most vulnerable families, especially women, children and the elderly, and shared whatever resources we could manage.”
For him, helping save Kainat and her newborn was a defining moment.
“Had there been a delayed for even a few hours, the mother and child might not have survived. Female volunteers like Sidra and Seemab played the most critical role in this. In our community, women often won’t speak to men about their needs. Without these women volunteers, it would not have been possible.”
Together Kainat’s newborn, Seemab’s courage and Hasnain’s network tell a story that statistics often don’t. In 2022, the UNFPA estimated that 650,000 pregnant women in flood-hit areas lacked access to healthcare. There were 73,000 deliveries in just one month.
Voices like Kainat’s, Seemab’s and Hasnain’s remind us that resilience is not only about rebuilding homes and roads—it is also about safeguarding dignity, inclusion and life.
Waqar Ahmad, a freelance journalist from Swat district, is a PhD scholar in media and mass communication. He reports on climate change, environment, human rights, education and elections. He can be reached at Waqar.swaty93gmail.com