Rescuers and families are desperately searching through knee-deep water for one-year-old Zara, swept away during flash floods that hit Pakistan in August. Each year, the monsoon season causes catastrophic floods, and this year has proven particularly deadly, resulting in over 1,000 deaths and affecting nearly 7 million people.
Pakistan, contributing only 1% of global emissions, is combating the brutal consequences of climate change. Reports highlight widespread devastation across various provinces, with the poorest communities suffering the most from loss of homes and livelihoods.
The situation is worsened by illegal construction practices and non-enforcement of laws designed to protect floodplains. Climate experts express frustration as some local authorities turn a blind eye to construction near rivers and streams, despite the known risks. By late August, floods submerged an unprecedented 4,500 villages, inundating Pakistan's agricultural heartland.
As human tragedies unfold, solutions are being actively explored. Architects like Yasmeen Lari propose building climate-resilient homes using sustainable materials, advocating for community engagement in rebuilding efforts.
The consequences of climate change are increasingly harrowing, with scientists predicting more severe floods in the future. Amid these challenges, many families return to homes in flood-prone areas, resigned to face another devastating monsoon season with little alternative.
