pakistan
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.
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.
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