Ramadan Or Not, Hunger Hits Pakistan Flood Victims

August 12, 2010

Author: Staff Writer

Source: MSNBC

Wire Service: AP

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38671015/ns/world_news-south_and_central_asia/

Pakistani flood survivors already short on food and water began the fasting month of Ramadan on Thursday, a normally festive, social time marked this year by misery and fears of an uncertain future.

Damage to crops, roads and bridges have caused food prices to triple in some parts of the country, adding to the pain of millions affected by one of the worst ever natural disasters to hit the already poor nation.

"Ramadan or no Ramadan, we are already dying of hunger," said Mai Hakeema, a 50-year-old who sat alongside her ailing husband in a tent outside the city of Sukkur. "We are fasting forcibly, and mourning our losses."

Observant Muslims fast from dawn to dusk each day for a month each year to control their desires and show empathy for the poor. The month is marked by increased attendance at mosques, a rise in charitable giving and family gatherings.