flooding
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Floods once again devastate Pakistan, two years after 2022 disaster
As monsoon rains lash Pakistan, millions still recovering from the catastrophic 2022 floods face renewed damage and uncertainty.
In short:
- Heavy monsoon rains are striking Pakistan, affecting those still recovering from the 2022 floods, which killed more than 1,700 people.
- Reconstruction efforts are lagging, with limited aid and poor infrastructure, leaving many in makeshift shelters.
- Climate change is linked to the intensified monsoon seasons, with experts warning that flooding may worsen in the future.
Key quote:
"Our children are terrified of the rain now. Whenever it rains or the wind picks up, they cling to us and cry, ‘We will drown.’"
— Fauzia, flood survivor
Why this matters:
Pakistan’s recurring floods highlight the growing impact of climate change, which is displacing rural communities and crippling agriculture. Without significant intervention, millions face ongoing displacement and economic instability.
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Los Angeles adapts to heavy storms by becoming a 'sponge city'
A supercharged February storm brought record rainfall to Los Angeles, testing and validating new infrastructure designed to absorb water and prevent catastrophic flooding.
In short:
- Los Angeles received up to 10 inches of rain in one day, overwhelming typical city infrastructure.
- The city captured over 8 billion gallons of stormwater, thanks to retrofitting efforts aimed at making the landscape more absorbent.
- These measures help reduce flood risks and keep pollutants out of the ocean by absorbing water into the ground.
Why this matters:
As climate change intensifies storms, cities must adapt by integrating green infrastructure to manage water more effectively and mitigate flood risks.
Read more:
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Extreme weather is worsening child marriages in Pakistan
Child marriages in Pakistan are on the rise as extreme weather events like floods force impoverished families to marry off young daughters for financial survival.
In short:
- Families displaced by floods in Pakistan are increasingly marrying off young girls to cope with economic hardships.
- Child marriages are often seen as a means of survival, with parents trading daughters for money to reduce household burdens.
- Rights groups urge stronger laws and education to combat the rise in child marriages driven by climate crises.
Key quote:
“These are marriages of survival prompted by the monsoon season and the reason behind marrying off a girl is to reduce the feeding costs at home during the climate calamity.”
— Mashooque Birhmani, founder of NGO Sujag Sansar
Why this matters:
As climate change intensifies, vulnerable populations, especially young girls, face growing risks of exploitation. Addressing child marriage requires urgent action to protect the rights and futures of these children.
Related:
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Innovative concrete mix combats urban floods using seashell waste
A new type of permeable concrete made from discarded shellfish is helping to reduce flooding in Blackpool, England, by absorbing excess water in urban areas.
In short:
- The concrete, created by researchers at the University of Central Lancashire, uses crushed seashells to enhance water absorption and reduce stormwater runoff.
- It’s being tested in gardens and cycling paths, providing both flood protection and a sustainable use for shellfish waste.
- This approach addresses both climate-related flooding and the environmental impact of food and construction waste.
Key quote:
“They’re not so obvious at first… but as you walk on it, the shells become more apparent as you go, and little flecks of white start coming out.”
— Helen Jones, operations director at LeftCoast
Why this matters:
As climate change increases flood risks, innovative materials like shellfish concrete offer a sustainable solution that also reduces waste in construction and food industries.
Related EHN coverage:
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Climate risks may trigger the next housing crisis
Climate change is making U.S. homes riskier investments, as rising insurance costs signal a looming housing bubble that could devastate the economy.
In short:
- Home insurance premiums are climbing nationwide due to increasing climate risks like wildfires and floods.
- Experts warn that home prices don’t reflect these growing risks, leading to a potential housing bubble.
- If this bubble bursts, it could cause widespread economic damage, especially in vulnerable regions.
Key quote:
“We’re in a bubble, and whether it deflates slowly, causing some economic pain, or pops suddenly, shocking the country’s economic system, will come down to policy choices that governments make now.”
— Jesse Gourevitch, an environmental economist at the Environmental Defense Fund
Why this matters:
With climate-related disasters becoming more frequent, homeowners face increasing financial risks. Addressing these challenges now could prevent a catastrophic economic collapse in the future.
More: People are moving to risky areas despite climate dangers
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Sherpas question safety of Everest villages after floods devastate homes
Sherpas in the Everest region are questioning the safety of their villages after a glacial lake burst on August 16, destroying homes and leaving many uncertain about their future.
In short:
- A glacial lake burst flooded Thame village, destroying over a dozen buildings, including homes, a school and a clinic.
- Residents, many of whom were displaced, are now concerned about the safety of remaining in the area.
- Lack of monitoring and disaster preparedness for glacial lakes in the Himalayas exacerbates the risks faced by these communities.
Key quote:
"The bigger question is if this place is safe enough to live in now. This flood has shown that we face an even more dangerous situation now, and therefore people don’t feel safe."
— Yangji Doma Sherpa, a native of Thame who was born in the village
Why this matters:
Accelerating glacier melt due to global warming is increasing the risk of deadly floods in the Himalayas, endangering local communities. Insufficient monitoring and preparedness further heighten the vulnerability of these remote regions.
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Urban planning may worsen flood risks in cities
A study from UC Irvine suggests that urban street layouts and building density may be exacerbating flood severity in areas already vulnerable to extreme weather caused by climate change.
In short:
- Researchers found that "urban form"—the density and layout of buildings and streets—can intensify flood risks in cities.
- A new formula was developed to help urban planners assess how changes in land use could impact flood hazards.
- The study highlights the vulnerability of densely populated areas, where residents often have limited protection or escape options.
Key quote:
“Detailed modeling worldwide is presently impossible for many cities because of inadequate data, so our team was motivated to develop a new way of looking at flood risk based on the form of the built urban environment.”
— Sarah Balaian, UC Irvine doctoral candidate in civil and environmental engineering
Why this matters:
As cities grow and climate change worsens, understanding how urban design impacts flooding is critical for protecting vulnerable populations and reducing potential disaster impacts.
Related:
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