Soaib, 14 years old, lives in the village of Sahlian in north-bank of Mahal Stream of District Bagh of AJK Pakistan. Soaib’s father is a vehicle driver in private organization. His mother is a house wife. He has 07 brothers among which two are elder then he and four are younger. They used to live in a small, two-room mud house. 

On 28 July 2010, unprecedented monsoon rains caused flash floods in wide spreading Mahal Stream of District Bagh of AJK Pakistan. Areas bordering the stream were hit with vast torrents of the flood waters, causing widespread destruction of life and property. Due to its location, the village of Sahlian and the surrounding areas of were one of the worst hit areas in District Bagh.

"Water started entering my home in the afternoon" remembers Soaib, "people were saying that we should leave since the flooded water would destroy everything in its path."

In the next few hours, Soaib’s family gathered their precious items and ran to an uncle's house uphill. At midnight, the stream roared into Sahlian and destroyed the entire area where Soaib’s house was located. Since then, they have been living in their uncle's house but were still barely making ends meet. Their few savings went on purchasing expensive food items from the bazaar in nearby Chowk city.

"My mother bundled up our clothes but we lost all our household items." said Soaib. "Because I was taking care of my younger brothers, I was only able to grab my schoolbag. My entire collection of storybooks and cricket bats washed away in the flood."

Since they had lost their home, Soaib’s family was immediately selected to receive cash grants support for shelter construction. 

"Thanks God that we can make our own temporary house now." - Soaib’s father said. "This is a blessing for my family. Thanks to the people who supported us in this difficult time"

Soaib also added, "I am now hopeful that we can rebuild our home and continue our lives as before and can resume our school."