Archive for category: Natural Disaster

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Emergency Backpacks and Flood Relief in Bangladesh

Flood Relief in BangladeshOn March 31, 2025, the day of Eid al-Fitr, a massive flood hit Satkhira, Bangladesh, covering seven villages in the region and displacing more than 15,000 people. Many citizens, still in their Eid clothing, built makeshift dams and dug holes to divert the water, but the tide was too overwhelming, and all 15,000 people in the area became stranded. In addition, most businesses were not working due to the holiday, so almost no local emergency services were available to help. CARE, an anti-poverty organization and a pioneer in flood relief in Bangladesh, foresaw this potential disaster and was still able to make life-saving materials available to the flood victims

Flooding and Poverty in Bangladesh

Bangladesh has a poverty rate that has fluctuated significantly in recent years. In 2022, the poverty rate dropped to 18%, but as of 2025, it has risen to 28%. More than a quarter of the population suffers from increasing amounts of infrastructure vulnerability, food insecurity and chronic illness. A huge reason for this recent rise in poverty rate is due to floods brought about by climate change.

In recent years, Bangladesh has been the country that became significantly vulnerable to natural disasters, since its geographical location makes it particularly prone to floods. This is due to nearby basins that receive massive amounts of rain year-round. The rain pools in basins and then washes through Bangladesh into the Bay of Bengal. Plus, the location of the country’s residential infrastructure is placed right in the way of the flood path. The facts make Bangladesh’s future seem daunting, but hope is not lost.

CARE and Emergency Backpacks

In the midst of the flood, no help could get in to those in need because of the harsh conditions, except CARE, which had planned ahead of time. It placed 500 emergency backpacks in easy-to-access places, so that when the need arose, emergency tools would be available. In addition, CARE operated to distribute more packages to those most in need, even during holiday hours.

These CARE packages are compact, lightweight tube-shaped backpacks that consist of essential hygiene products, first aid materials, and emergency equipment personalized to the needs of each individual. They may contain any of the following:

  • Water purifiers, purification tablets, and collapsible buckets
  • Stoves and kitchen utensils
  • Menstrual pads, soaps, and underwear
  • A solar-powered light and solar-powered chargers
  • Tarps and ropes
  • An instruction packet that explains how to optimize each tool

During post-effort surveys, CARE recorded some inspiring metrics. Women specifically reported that the menstrual hygiene products provided were extremely helpful, improving their wellbeing in ways beyond just cleanliness. 66% of women used the kits mainly because of their hygiene products. Solar-powered technology was also among the most used items; 72% of households used solar power to restore use of their mobile devices to contact help and find crucial information. Sixty four percent of people reported that solar-powered lights helped them remain safe and calm at night.

Overall, backpacks helped 336 households, and 99% of those who received the packages reported their satisfaction with the tools provided. Thanks to this success, CARE has been able to implement CARE packages in Nepal, Malawi, the Philippines, and Mozambique in addition to Bangladesh. CARE has even partnered with The Coca-Cola Foundation to expand the production and distribution of the packages.

CARE’s flood relief aid in Bangladesh is a beacon of hope for poverty eradication. If projects like this continue to be well-funded and backed by influential donors like Coca-Cola, positive change is on the horizon.

– Lucas Cain

Lucas is based in Pittsburgh, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Renewable Energy in Antigua and Barbuda

Renewable Energy in Antigua and BarbudaEnergy and climate crises are pushing insular countries, such as Antigua and Barbuda, to the frontlines. Rising fuel costs, combined with hurricanes and a tourism-dependent economy are exposing how fragile a state’s fossil-fueled energy system can become. For years, imported fossil fuels generated electricity entirely, leaving communities vulnerable to fluctuations of the global oil markets.

Now, a different future is being sketched across these islands. It is common for government plans and regional forums to center on renewable energies projects. Rather than being treated as a distant ideal, green energy is increasingly being framed as a matter of survival — economically, environmentally and socially. 

Antigua and Barbuda, as many small island developing states, is seeing the transition away from fossil fuels as the pathway to keeping the coasts protected and the economy afloat. Here is more information about the promotion of renewable energy in Antigua and Barbuda.

Antigua and Barbuda

Nestled in the eastern Caribbean’s Leeward chain, Antigua and Barbuda is a twin-islands nation that squeezes a population of nearly 95,000 onto 440 square kilometers of low coral atolls and limestone ridges — Antigua’s volcanic hills peak at just 405 meters, while Barbuda’s pancake-flat expanse is waterless and boasts pink sands.

When it comes to demography, a peculiar distribution characterizes Antigua and Barbuda: nearly all residents — 98% — crowd onto Antigua, with 60% living in St. John Parish and another 26% crammed into the capital and port city of St. John’s.

Having been a check point for the slave trade routes in the 17th century, most islanders (87% of the total) are of African descent navigate a youthful, female-skewed demographic with life expectancy hovering near 79 years.

Green Energy Targets

Antigua and Barbuda is aiming at one of the most ambitious targets in renewable energy among Small Island Developing States (SIDS), targeting 86% of electricity from local renewables by 2030 and 100% for water management essentials like desalination. This vaults it into the ninth spot among the best SIDS for expected MW capacity by 2030 — eyeing 483 MW — despite a population of less than 100,000, far outpacing per capita efforts by giants like Fiji or Cuba, home to millions of inhabitants. This green energy strategy crosses three main sectors: geothermal, wind and solar power, not all equally viable and the current share of renewable energy is only at 7%.

Although a country of very small size, geothermal power could leverage the nation’s perch on the Caribbean Plate. A 2018 pact with Polaris Energy scouts baseload potential on the territory and the government has recently expressed the intention of entering the geothermal market of St. Kitts and Nevis, a neighbor small island country, to strengthen regional energy cooperation.

At an initial look wind may seem like a source perfectly suiting an oceanic nation. However, this power proved to be a double-edged sword: trade winds whip reliably, but 2017’s Hurricane Irma — obliterating 95% of Barbuda — canceled the efforts of erecting resilient turbines, stalling ambitious sites.

It is solar power that steals the spotlight as the most reliable source of green energy, dominating almost 100% of current renewables. Bathing in year-round Caribbean sun, Antigua and Barbuda benefits from more than 4,300 hours of sunlight, making it the perfect spot for accumulating solar energy. A key feature of the sector is the shift from rooftop systems to off-grid systems. Projects like the hurricane‑resistant solar and battery plant on Barbuda are designed not just to generate clean power, but to keep the lights on after storms and also attract foreign capitals.

Changing Weather Patterns

Poverty remains a persistent challenge in Antigua and Barbuda, worsening under the strain of changing weather patterns. Those already on the margins face increasing threats from extreme weather, disrupted livelihoods and limited access to essential services such as health, transport and communications. The combined effects of hurricanes and the lingering fallout from COVID‑19 continue to erode social and economic stability.

Women are disproportionately affected, forming the majority in tourism and public sectors while shouldering household leadership. A UN Women and IISD survey urged retraining of public employees and stronger integration of gender concerns into climate policies. Many women rely on microfinance after disasters, while health risks — from waterborne diseases to mental stress — intensify vulnerabilities.

Expanding renewable energy in Antigua and Barbuda is vital to reversing these trends. Clean energy projects can lower costs, create stable jobs and strengthen climate resilience, ensuring that development benefits vulnerable groups more equitably. For instance, the International Renewable Energy Agency estimated that in a scenario where Antigua and Barbuda make it to 100% renewable energy, including the use of hydrogen and the proliferation of electric vehicles as variables, the cost of energy would decrease from USD 0.15 kWh to USD 0.09.

Why Are SIDS Obsessed With the Green Transition?

SIDS like Antigua and Barbuda, Mauritius, Nauru and others champion the green transition despite contributing a minuscule slice of global GHG emissions — less than 1% collectively, for 39 countries falling into this category.

Changing weather patterns hit them first before any other country in the world: sea-level rise erodes shorelines, hurricanes wreck homes and economies, coral die-offs cripple tourism and fish stocks.

Climate-resilient infrastructure and innovation are advancing at the national level among all SIDS. For instance, the Maldives and Tuvalu are experimenting with adaptive urban designs such as floating cities and artificial islands, adapting to rising sea levels. Collectively, SIDS are speaking out through the Alliance of Small Island States, urging stricter emissions targets and fair financial mechanisms for climate impact mitigation at the international level.

– Riccardo Chiaraluce

Riccardo is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Gift of the Givers: How Disaster Relief Can Reduce Global Poverty

Gift of the GiversAfter declaring the torrential rains and severe flooding as a national disaster on January 18, 2026, South Africa’s National Disaster Management Center initiated a coordinated response to provide aid, evacuate civilians and rebuild destroyed infrastructure. Numerous humanitarian organizations supported the government’s work. Among them, Gift of the Givers played a key role in coordinating relief efforts with the government.

Gift of the Givers

Founded by Dr Imtiax Sooliman on August 6, 1992, Gift of the Givers focuses on reliable disaster response, hunger alleviation, water provision and human development through education. Guided by the philosophy that the “best among people are those who benefit mankind”, the organization provides food, shelter and medical care to vulnerable populations and maintains large donation reserves to enable rapid emergency responses.

The work of organizations like Gift of the Givers is critical because disasters, even when they do not affect everyone directly, can have long-lasting economic and social effects. These effects can hinder both national development and affect vulnerable communities. According to the World Bank, in 2024 alone, global economic losses from disasters reached record levels, hitting poorest countries hardest. Between 2019 and 2023, natural disasters caused economic losses of more than 5% of GDP and, in some cases, exceeded 30-50%.

These economic losses not only disrupt livelihoods but also erode infrastructure and strain public services, further worsening poor living conditions. This emphasizes why effective disaster risk management works close with growth, fiscal stability and job creation. By providing immediate relief and ensuring access to essential resources, including clean water, the work of Gift of the Givers demonstrates how disaster relief can reduce global poverty and save lives.

Water Provision

One of the most direct ways disaster relief reduces poverty is through ensuring access to essential resources, including clean water, which is a key focus of Gift of the Givers. Water is vital, serving as a foundation for growth and development. However, Dr Sooliman notes how it is dwindling in many areas of the world. During disaster relief efforts, Gift of the Givers secures access to clean drinking water and hygienic sanitation facilities through borehole drilling and rainwater harvesting systems. Access to clean water after disasters could improve public health, prevent disease outbreaks and support economic stability and growth in affected communities.

Education and Health Developments

Besides water provision, disaster relief can reduce global poverty by investing in education and health. Education is a major catalyst for poverty reduction through increased job opportunities and skill development, according to the World Bank. It also promotes health due to improved socioeconomic status, healthier lifestyles, higher cognitive abilities and better access to health care. As such, efficient investments in education, research, development and infrastructure projects could lead to long-term economic development that builds human capital and maximizes growth across the globe.

Humanitarian organizations tackle disruptions to essential educational and medical institutions in different ways. Some bring search and rescue teams, tools for agricultural self-sustainability, money, water, food and medical equipment. Others focus on the reconstruction of educational and medical facilities, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman said in a 2025 podcast.

Gift of the Givers had previous projects, including bursaries, entrepreneurship, job creation and the establishment of primary healthcare clinics that can act during crises. Disaster relief could reduce global poverty through investments for transport, energy, housing, health, education and urban development.

Regarding many crises, especially the hunger crisis in South Africa, they alleviate short-term suffering while providing long-term solutions that empower communities, improve food security and strengthen social cohesion.

Importance of Dignity

In January 2026, Dr Sooliman spoke in an interview about his plans moving forward. His biggest concern is friction among individuals. He believes that by bringing people together and focusing on shared needs and values, they can fix their country, their continent and the world together.

In 2025 alone, Gift of the Givers responded to 130 fires and floods, finding tens of thousands of people who had been starving even before disaster struck, he said. Impoverished individuals have less support and, thus, struggle even more to recover. Dr Sooliman acknowledges that no one can control the weather patterns. He then emphasizes the importance of dignity and preserving it through discretion, allowing them to recover without shame: “We got transport, we bought the books, and in the classes, we collapsed because we didn’t have food. We don’t go to collect food. We’re afraid of our dignity.”

If an entire community becomes more resilient, then they have established solidarity. With greater unity and collaboration, as Dr Sooliman emphasizes, societies could address inequality and global poverty more effectively.

Moving Forward

Effective disaster relief can reduce global poverty by acting as a social safety net, allowing vulnerable communities to build healthier, more resilient lives. Gift of the Givers demonstrates that with dignity, solidarity and support for human development, aid can empower survivors and create solutions.

– Cindy Nguyen

Cindy is based in Albuquerque, NM, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Gift of the Givers: Response to the Flood in South Africa

Gift of the GiversAfter weeks of relentless torrential rain beginning Jan. 18, 2026, South Africa officially declared a national disaster caused by devastating floods that killed at least 30 people, destroyed thousands of homes, roads and bridges and forced the closure of Kruger National Park.

The floods hit the northern provinces, particularly Limpopo and Mpumalanga, hardest, adding to the deadly pattern of floods that has plagued the country for years. Many residents remain missing, the floods have destroyed many communities and survivors are reluctant to leave their homes behind. However, the national disaster declaration enabled a coordinated disaster response to the flood in South Africa from the government and other organizations. These groups are working together to provide for both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term recovery for people and their homes.

Government Efforts

Before the national disaster declaration, multiple government officials personally assessed flood-affected areas alongside disaster management services.

For example, Minister Willie Aucamp visited the closed Kruger National Park before confirming the establishment of SANParks’ Kruger Recovery Fund, which supports the park’s long-term sustainability through local and international donations. Public support for the fund has been widespread among individuals ranging from pensioners to youth.

Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Velenkosini Hlabisa emphasized the importance of decisive leadership in safeguarding lives and strengthening community resilience through the mobilization of adequate resources for both relief and recovery efforts. The government had previously set aside R20 million to rebuild infrastructure and offer assistance to impacted households following floods in 2011.

Now, officials estimate that R500 million is needed to rebuild the park. Search and rescue teams also coordinated with the National Disaster Management Institute and the South African Air Force, with approximately half a dozen South African military helicopters deployed to deliver emergency aid and locate stranded residents.

National Level

At the national level, the National Executive assumed primary responsibility for the coordinated disaster response to the flood in South Africa.

The government aims to strengthen disaster management structures, provide for basic survival needs, create contingency plans, submit progress reports to the National Disaster Management Center and ensure the growth of resilience.

The Department of Water and Environmental Affairs has also assigned teams to assess water and dam monitoring equipment whenever a flood occurs. For example, dam safety specialists worked to prevent the collapse of local earthen dams and the development of future disasters.

At the community level, local radio stations utilized early warning systems in collaboration with risk management committees to spread critical information. However, rescue efforts were initially paralyzed due to a lack of resources and means of rescue.

The floods left many survivors homeless and afraid.

Gift of the Givers

Multiple organizations have previously aided South Africa during the aftermath of violent floods. For example, GlobalGiving project No. 55975 managed to raise $4,180 in 2022.

However, a key organization in the 2026 floods is Gift of the Givers. It delivered much-needed flood relief to affected households, including food, shelter, bedding and medical supplies, establishing a coordinated disaster response to the flood in South Africa with the government.

Gift of the Givers aims to assist in disaster responses, promote human development and address global hunger. During the floods, the organization visited 130 households in Mkondo, Mpumalanga and completed distributions with support from the Mkondo Disaster Team despite damaged roads and continuous rain.

The organization also supported search and rescue teams, disaster management and helicopter pilots by providing meals to ensure effective, sustained emergency responses.

Minister Hlabisa, Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu and MEC Speed Mashilo acknowledged these efforts while assessing more than 1,000 households together.

Looking Ahead 

First responders, disaster management teams, the police force, the National Defense Force and humanitarian organizations have been essential to restoring normality and infrastructure, according to government officials. While residents remain missing and many communities are still recovering, Gift of the Givers and the South African government have corroborated their efforts for a coordinated disaster response to the flood in South Africa.

– Cindy Nguyen

Cindy is based in Albuquerque, NM, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Everything To Know About Poverty in the Maldives

Poverty in the MaldivesThe Republic of the Maldives is an archipelago located in South Asia in the northern Indian Ocean. While its population is only approximately 530,000, the Maldives receives almost 2 million tourists per year. Since its first resort opening in the 1970s, the Maldivian economy has grown significantly thanks to its popularity amongst international tourists. However, poverty in the Maldives is an ongoing issue that requires attention.

Recent Progress 

Over the last decade, there has been a significant decline in poverty in the Maldives. From a 65% poverty rate in 2009 to an 11.7% poverty rate in 2016, improving quality of life due to flourishing tourism characterized the pre-pandemic Maldivian economy. Its ‘enclave economy’ means that each island has a specific use, for example, some islands are restricted to resorts, while others are strictly for certain industrial activities.

Alongside this, policies like mandating that at least 51% of a resort’s workforce must be Maldivian have resulted in a growth of the tertiary sector and an increase in wage employment. Not only have these developments significantly grown government revenue, but they have also improved the quality of life of most Maldivians. This is due to a greater number of households experiencing a stable source of income and growing welfare policies from the government. In fact, the government has strived to redistribute this wealth through infrastructure investment, like airports and public housing. 

Despite great economic progress in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic revealed how fragile the Maldivian economy is; travel bans as a result of the pandemic caused a fall in real GDP by 33.6% in 2020, showing how the country’s economy was reliant on international tourism. In fact, resort-based tourism contributes to approximately 23% of GDP, meaning that it is at the mercy of factors beyond its control.

Environmental Threats

Tourism is not the only external factor threatening the economic stability of the Maldives; due to the islands’ low elevation above sea level, the country is extremely vulnerable to changing weather patterns. For example, a tsunami in 2004 caused damages worth 62% of GDP alongside unquantifiable damages like soil erosion and damage to fisheries, which had long-term effects on the recovery of the economy.

The unpredictable and inescapable nature of such events poses a constant threat to the Maldivian population. As a result, the Maldivian government has adapted its policies to strive for long-term security against these issues. An example of this, which the 2005 tsunami reinforced, is the construction of Hulhumalé, an artificial island currently being built 8 km from the capital city. With this, the government hopes to not only reduce overcrowding in Male, but also protect residents from the threat of coastal erosion – a dilemma that many smaller atolls are currently facing. With the Housing Development Corporation capping house prices and the coastline set 2 meters above sea level, its residents are protected from both economic and geological dangers.

On top of government policies, many NGOs have also contributed to assisting those living in poverty in the Maldives. For example, the Maldivian Red Crescent, founded in 2009, is the largest humanitarian organization in the Maldives, striving to protect the population from the socioeconomic challenges that arise from natural disasters. In 2024, it took significant steps in enhancing its emergency response resources, like organizing Anticipator Action workshops and signing a grant contract with the Japanese Embassy for the provision of emergency support vehicles. In fact, one can see the extent of its success in the Maldives through its recognition as an official member of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in 2011.

Geographical Inequality 

The greatest factor that seems to be limiting the reduction of poverty in the Maldives is the socio-economic disparity between the capital Male’ and the atolls. Although all Maldivians have access to basic health care and education, the more advanced facilities are located in the capital, creating inequalities that translate to poorer job prospects and thus income disparity. In fact, approximately 10% of Maldivians in atolls are living under the international poverty line compared to only 1% in Male’.

Not only is there inequality between Male’ and the atolls, but even between the atolls themselves, some clusters experience much higher levels of poverty than others. For example, some atolls rely on fisheries as their main source of income, yet their profitability is limited by their poor infrastructure, such as a lack of storage and processing facilities. Even when considering non-monetary metrics, there is a clear disparity between the islands; Maldivians living in the atolls experience fewer years of schooling and lack access to basic resources like safe drinking water and sewer systems. 

Therefore, despite the responsiveness of the Maldivian government to the challenges faced, it continues to be an economy at the mercy of geographic and environmental factors. Furthermore, inequality between Male’ and the atolls is the main factor limiting the government’s ability to eliminate poverty in the Maldives. 

– Vittoria Cortese

Vittoria is based in Washington, DC, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How the Philippine Red Cross Helps Typhoon Victims

How The Philippine Red Cross Helps Typhoon Victims In Nov. 2025, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) delivered medical aid to hundreds of families across the country that Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan left devastated.

Philippine Red Cross

The Philippine Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that has existed since 1899 and has been officially active since 1947. Since its beginnings, PRC has been dedicated to supporting citizens who have endured tragic events and disasters across the Philippines. From emergency care to raising donations, PRC is committed to helping the vulnerable.

Following the destruction of Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan, PRC delivered medical aid and support to thousands of victims in highly affected communities. Hundreds of staff and volunteers from PRC supplied families with emergency services such as first aid, disease prevention, welfare assistance, sanitation and more.

Typhoon Tino

Typhoon Kalmaegi, or Typhoon Tino, affected the country from Nov. 2 to Nov. 6. In just four days, it left a trail of destruction across eight regions. Islands in the Visayas were among the most highly affected areas. As of Nov. 11, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported about:

  •  232 deaths
  •  112 missing
  •  523 injured
  •  1.2 million families affected
  • 5.4 million individuals affected
  • 270,000 damaged homes
  • 42,000 destroyed homes

Cebu was the most affected area, recording many casualties due to severe, abundant flooding, landslides and vigorous winds. The storm left hundreds of thousands of families displaced after homes and farms were ruined.

On Nov. 4, following Typhoon Tino, PRC delivered health services to the highest affected areas through first aid stations to assist the sick and injured. The organization held disease prevention and hygiene promotion sessions for 620 people, raising awareness to protect the health of citizens. PRC also responded to an emergency childbirth.

Aside from medical resources, PRC extended welfare support as it set up welfare desks to provide emotional and psychological first aid. Volunteers also provided 1,642 hot meals to families affected by Typhoon Tino.

The chairman and CEO of PRC, Richard Gordon, expressed his faith in PRC’s volunteers to help and support those affected by Typhoon Tino.

“Every person reached by our staff and volunteers is someone who is given hope and care in the midst of disaster,” Gordon shared. “The Philippine Red Cross remains committed to responding swiftly wherever there is a call for help.”

Typhoon Uwan

Just days after Typhoon Tino left the Philippines, Super Typhoon Fung-wong, or Uwan, hit Luzon from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10. The 16 regions affected included Catanduanes, Aurora and Isabela. NDRRMC reported about:

  •  33 deaths
  •  One missing individual
  • 52 injured
  •  2.1 million families affected
  •  7.6 million individuals affected
  •  1.5 million people evacuated
  •  270,000 damaged homes
  • 25,000 destroyed homes
  • 130 villages flooded

The destruction caused extreme flooding, intense wind and mudslides, leaving many people displaced and sheltering with loved ones or in evacuation centers.

Following the devastation from Super Typhoon Uwan, PRC gathered hundreds of volunteers to reach more victims through medical services such as first aid stations that treated hundreds of patients. The humanitarian organization sent out ambulances for medical transport and rescue operations. PRC assigned three doctors and 25 nurses to provide medical consultations, medicines and antibiotics for hundreds of people in several regions.

Volunteers transported more than 200 individuals to evacuation centers from hazardous zones. PRC also provided psychological support through welfare desks and distributed meals from food trucks, delivering 8,753 hot meals to affected families. PRC used radios to allow communication in distant areas without Wi-Fi or data.

To PRC staff and volunteers, Gordon shared his appreciation for their extensive labor and dedicated effort.

“People often think that our work is limited to handing out relief boxes, but we have been working non-stop preparing hot meals and holding meetings 24/7,” Gordon said. “Thanks to everyone’s sacrifices here, the PRC can truly be always first, always ready, and always there.”

Moving Forward

In the face of the life-threatening typhoons that devastated millions of people in November, PRC remained dedicated to immediate aid for communities in need across the Philippines. PRC reached Filipino victims in the areas most affected, despite rising water levels and powerful winds. Along with accommodating the health of hundreds of people, PRC supported the well-being of families who lost everything. The people of the Philippines faced disaster, loss and grief, but PRC’s humanitarian relief provided care and support during recovery.

– Caydie Tampac

Caydie is based in Las Vegas, NV, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Sikh Humanitarian Organizations Rebuilding Punjab

Rebuilding PunjabLate August and September 2025 saw the North Indian and Pakistani regions of Punjab hit with some of the worst floods in decades. Although the worst of these floods has passed, the damage left behind has pushed many who call these places their home deeper into poverty and ruin. Nearly 70% of the province was underwater after severe breaches in the Ravi and Sutlej rivers. In addition to the projected $6 billion to $10 billion in economic damages, at least 842 people died, more than 1.2 million were displaced and 4 million were impacted nationally.

With agricultural communities forming most of Punjab’s population, whatever affects farmers affects the entire region. Geographically, Punjab has always lived with a water-heavy existence defined by monsoon seasons. Punjab, literally “land of the five rivers,” has always embraced these conditions. Yet what once supported life now contributes to devastation. Every flood deepens poverty and erodes hope for those already living on the edge of survival. As the waters recede, one truth stays clear: if Punjab’s farmers cannot feed themselves, the survival of the wider population rests on fragile ground.

Poverty here is not evident only in rupees but in diminished worth, fractured families and futures placed on hold. Yet through the murky waters, people found hope in the form of seva, or selfless service, a key motto of the Sikh faith that guides the Sikh humanitarian organizations rebuilding Punjab after the floods, such as Global Sikhs, Khalsa Aid and United Sikhs. Each organization plays a unique role that extends far beyond immediate help. Their work presents rebuilding Punjab as a testament to the power of community, religious service and international cooperation. Here, Sikh faith-based charities show that seva is not only a spiritual ideal but also a practical, life-changing force in times of crisis.

The Principle of Seva in Action: Tackling Poverty

Guru Nanak Dev Ji says,
 “Do Seva and service in this world and find a seat in the court of God.”
 ਵਿਚਿ ਦੁਨੀਆ ਸੇਵ ਕਮਾਈਐ ॥
 ਤਾ ਦਰਗਹ ਬੈਸਣੁ ਪਾਈਐ ॥
 (Sri Rag M-1, 26)

This philosophy of service sits at the heart of the Sikh community and shapes the work of the charities rebuilding Punjab after the floods’ destruction. Seva, rooted in the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, calls for selfless and unconditional service performed without seeking praise or reward. Sikhs see it as a way of honoring the divine by serving humanity and fulfilling a moral obligation.

This custom turned into a lifeline in the wake of the floods. Volunteers (or sevadars) of all ages, from local villagers to Sikhs in the diaspora, put seva into action by delivering aid, rebuilding livelihoods and reminding communities that solidarity stays stronger than anguish even during turbulent times.

In the aftermath, one of the greatest challenges was helping communities rise from the deeper poverty the catastrophe created. Families who once depended on modest harvests now faced barren granaries and empty farms. The disaster erased even the most basic security in places where poverty already ran deep, leaving parents wondering how they would afford their next meal or whether they needed to send their children overseas to survive.

Impact of the Floods

For many farmers, the human toll defies measurement. After days of relentless monsoon rains, countless families awoke to shattered livelihoods. In talks with The Guardian, Amritsar-based farmer Parmpreet Singh described his reality: “The crops are ruined, and even our homes are in danger of collapsing.”

His family — including his two young daughters and his elderly mother — currently lives on the roof of their home to stay above the water. Singh fears he may need to sell his land and abandon farming after seven hectares of crops were destroyed. Livestock farmers, who depend on only two or three buffaloes, face similar devastation. The shortage of fodder and the soaring cost of silage have pushed their financial stability to a breaking point.

Abad Khan, a small farmer from central Punjab, told Dawn News, “These families were already struggling, and now they are facing a level of poverty almost impossible to escape.” More than 2.2 million hectares of crops — from vegetables to rice and wheat — have been wiped out. In just one week, the price of wheat flour rose by 25%. The scale of economic and social hardship has made recovery daunting, but Sikh organizations have responded by turning seva into focused and sustained action.

Khalsa Aid

Khalsa Aid mobilized its volunteers within hours of the first flood warnings and reached the affected districts before most organizations. Their teams have worked across Gurdaspur, Kapurthala, Ferozepur and Abohar since mid-August, evacuating livestock — often a rural family’s main source of income — and rescuing stranded residents. Alongside these emergency actions, Khalsa Aid supplies clean drinking water, medical assistance, ration bags and crucial fodder for animals suffering after prolonged exposure to stagnant floodwater.

The charity installed industrial dewatering devices in Abohar, where floodwaters persisted long after the rains ended. This equipment helped recover more than 1,000 acres of submerged farmland. To help farmers restore their fields, restart agricultural work and prevent long-term economic collapse, Khalsa Aid’s teams continue to work directly with the communities.

Global Sikhs

Global Sikhs has taken on the equally important responsibility of long-term rehabilitation. Through their Sanjha Sahara Project, volunteers work in 25 severely affected villages to help families rebuild their lives from the ground up. Their approach recognizes that restoring livelihoods is as essential to Punjab’s recovery as clearing water or distributing aid.

They support soil restoration, repair damaged irrigation channels and replace lost livestock, a vital resource for rural households whose earnings depend on a few buffaloes or goats. Global Sikhs also help families rebuild homes damaged by weeks of flooding to ensure children, the elderly and vulnerable people stay safe.

UNITED SIKHS

Sevadars for UNITED SIKHS mobilized across the region and worked tirelessly to evacuate residents from submerged homes, relocate families to safer areas and set up relief camps in villages such as Dhera Ghara and Nihala. They provided medical care, food and clean water to households cut off by flooding. UNITED SIKHS also partnered with local health officials to distribute chlorine tablets and teach safe water practices to prevent the rise of skin infections and waterborne illnesses as stagnant floodwaters lingered. At the same time, the organization addressed severe shortages of cattle fodder caused by flooded fields and blocked roads to help farmers keep their livestock alive.

Rebuilding Punjab: Looking Ahead

These are only some of the organizations rebuilding Punjab. Although the damage devastated countless families, livelihoods and communities, the active service of these charities and the seva they embody brings hope back into people’s lives and provides practical solutions that lay the foundations for long-term recovery. In a glistening and rich culture, the harmony of community and faith shines brighter than ever.

– Prubleen Bhogal

Prubleen is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Schools Advance Tsunami Readiness in the Asia-Pacific

Tsunami Readiness in the Asia-PacificCountries in the Asia-Pacific are among the most vulnerable to tsunami hazards. The region accounts for a significant portion of the Ring of Fire, a string of coastal countries along the Pacific Ocean where nearly 80% of all tsunamis occur. Asian-Pacific nations also have a significant number of coastal communities, including some of the world’s largest megacities. This high level of coastal residence puts millions at risk, evident in the fact that the region accounts for 99% of global tsunami deaths. To reduce fatalities and enhance tsunami readiness in the Asia-Pacific, many affected countries are taking unified action. Central to this effort is increasing the resilience of school communities to these threats.

The Regional Tsunami Project

Responding to a widespread need, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of Japan created a joint initiative to help countries across the Asia-Pacific enhance their tsunami preparation. The Regional Tsunami Project works with governments, schools and communities to develop locally adapted plans of action to address tsunami risk. More than 800 schools across 24 Asia-Pacific countries are involved, integrating tsunami education and evacuation drills into their curricula.

Evacuation drills give community members the knowledge and tools they need to take quick action in the face of danger. It is especially important for schools to participate in regular drills, as children remain highly vulnerable to disasters. The project’s guidebook, Regional Guide for Schools to Prepare for Tsunamis, provides actionable steps for administrators and educators to enhance planning and implement safety curricula. Widely adopted practices include educating students on how to identify tsunami hazards, using the phrase “Feel. See. Hear. Run.” as a guiding technique. During evacuation drills, students learn where their nearest safe zones are and practice moving from classrooms to these areas.

The Use of Digital Tools

Technology is changing the way communities advance tsunami readiness in the Asia-Pacific. In fact, within school administration and disaster planning, digital tools have become essential. One tool developed by the Regional Tsunami Project is STEP-A (Strengthening Tsunami and Earthquake Preparedness Assessment), an online platform used in Indonesian schools.

STEP-A helps schools determine their tsunami preparedness through self-assessment, engaging students, educators and administrators. Once preparedness levels are identified, the application provides recommended steps for improvement. School readiness information across Indonesia is then integrated into InaRISK, the national disaster-monitoring tool, which provides real-time information on community hazards.

Schools are also adopting other innovative digital tools. In Samoa, students use virtual reality headsets that simulate what their surroundings may look like during a tsunami. This technology helps younger students, many of whom have never experienced a natural disaster, visualize evacuation routes and understand flood scenarios.  Research shows that immersive exercises improve knowledge retention and help students feel more confident in their ability to respond quickly during an emergency.

A Safer Future for the Asia-Pacific

The Regional Tsunami Project has laid a strong foundation for natural disaster resilience and tsunami readiness in the Asia-Pacific, especially in schools where preparation is essential to keeping younger generations safe. Digital tools will continue to play an important role, strengthening cooperation and enhancing preparedness among communities. Tsunamis will remain a serious threat in the region; however, by building the capacity to respond effectively, the Asia-Pacific can move toward a safer and more resilient future.

– Quinlan Bohannon

Quinlan is based in Portland, OR, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Recovering From the Punjab Floods

Recovering From the Punjab FloodsIn September 2025, states in northern India faced heavy rains, flash floods and overflowing rivers. Entire villages and thousands of hectares of farmland were submerged. About 35% of Punjab’s population works in agriculture and they experienced the region’s worst flooding in four decades, severely disrupting livelihoods. The Punjab floods caused at least 51 deaths and more than 400,000 people were forced to flee.

Additionally, hundreds of thousands of Punjabis were left without electricity or clean water. Even before the floods, Indian farmers were facing increasing hardships. Many had accumulated high debts while struggling with low incomes and heavy crop losses due to the climate crisis, which has created extreme weather conditions that defy predictability and planning.

The recent flooding has worsened these challenges, leaving many farmers with nothing left. Observers on the ground have stated that for many farmers, recovering from the Punjab floods is proving extremely difficult. 

The Good News

The good news is that financial assistance has been provided to help farmers rebuild their lives. By the end of September 2025, the Punjab government—led by the Aam Aadmi Party (the Common Man Party)—announced a 20,000-rupee ($230) allowance for farmers who lost their crops to the floods. In addition, relief efforts have come from all directions, including Non-Resident Indians, global Sikh charities and local volunteers.

Pritpal Singh of Hanspal Traders in Kapurthala built more than 100 boats and distributed them free of charge to support rescue operations. Buffalo and cattle have also been purchased for dairy farmers who lost their animals in the floods. The charity Khalsa Aid rescued stranded families and livestock and provided clean drinking water, ration bags and medical assistance.

Khalsa Aid also deployed specialized de-watering systems that have already dried more than 1,000 acres of waterlogged land. The organization’s team is also working directly with farmers in the Abohar area to help them restore their fields and resume cultivation. This support has become a lifeline for many whose livelihoods were severely threatened by the floods.

Recovering From the Punjab Floods

There is a prolonged economic challenge ahead for farmers, as they require considerable investment to recover from the floods. Climate instability is hitting developing countries the hardest, with some of the most financially vulnerable people in the world being affected. Punjabi farmers have already been living in precarious conditions and extreme weather conditions have exacerbated their problems.

However, the relief efforts for the Punjab floods have demonstrated that the Asian diaspora can collaborate with local volunteers in India to assist farmers and communities in rebuilding their lives. The response has been a large, well-coordinated effort involving multiple countries, diverse groups and both governmental and nongovernmental bodies. Agriculture is widely recognized as crucial to Punjab and it is clear that farmers operate with limited resources.

This reality has driven everyone involved in the relief work to sustain their efforts and support long-term recovery.

– Suneel Mehmi

Suneel is based in the United Kingdom and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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GFDRR: Disaster Preparedness in the Caribbean

GFDRRHurricanes are a yearly occurrence in the Caribbean, primarily due to the islands’ location near the equator. With hurricane season spanning from June to November, these months pose the highest risk for destruction and impact, from the Bahamas to Venezuela. In October, Hurricane Melissa was no different, as it caused widespread destruction from Jamaica to Bermuda. What this storm revealed is the importance of international support in the Caribbean.

Hurricane Melissa

On October 28, Hurricane Melissa made its first landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm. Wind speeds reached 185 mph, significantly affecting parishes such as St. Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Buildings were destroyed, including schools, homes, major airports and hospitals.

Subsequently, the storm downgraded to a Category 3 storm as it made landfall in Cuba several days later. Preparation in such a short amount of time proved fruitless, as the hurricane caused millions of dollars in damage and killed more than 90 people across the countries impacted. In the aftermath of the storm, more than 150 communities remain without access to stable shelters and electricity.

The outpouring of heartwarming words and international support in the Caribbean has been influential. Many countries, such as the United States and Canada, have donated millions of dollars to support rebuilding efforts and help life return to normal. Organizations like the World Central Kitchen and Airlink have provided emergency services and meals to communities in dire need. The effort to rebuild has been commendable, but these services often come after the storm has caused damage, rather than providing preventive help to countries.

CARICOM

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) comprises 15 states in total. This body facilitates the best economic development for the participating countries and establishes a single market and economy. The body also aids the countries against disasters and events that affect their islands.

Organizations like the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) collaborate with CARICOM to assist communities when needed. Aid has been provided to Jamaica and Haiti in the aftermath of the storm. At the same time, Cuba has received assistance from nearby countries.

The ambassadors of CARICOM have been providing information on events across the impacted states. On the YouTube channel, Comissiong Chambers, Ambassador David Comissiong describes the unique experiences of the countries within CARICOM following the hurricane. When speaking about how much it can take for initial relief efforts and reinforcements for each island, Commissiong stated, “150 million and 90 million, that is just to kickstart the relief effort when you’re talking about reconstruction for Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti. We are actually talking billions of dollars. So we have a long, long road ahead of us and all of us in the Caribbean have to contribute to that.”

These respective amounts are not enough to rebuild the number of structures destroyed across the islands. In addition, relief efforts will not provide long-term, sustainable solutions to benefit Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba in the event of future disasters. Monetary aid and loans will be necessary after this disaster if international support in the Caribbean is not also dedicated to establishing long-standing services and practices for improved support.

Long-Term Prevention

Different measures can be implemented across these islands, but they depend largely on the level of funding provided to governments.

Infrastructure can be rebuilt or reinforced to withstand Category 5 storms and other natural disasters. More durable materials should replace zinc roofing, which is often blown away by high-speed winds. Shelters should not be established only in the immediate lead-up to major events. However, they should be maintained as safe havens year-round.

Power lines and water reservoirs should be protected in ways that prevent power loss and contamination of water supplies for communities. For example, power lines can be buried underground if needed. Natural defenses, such as forests and mangroves, should be protected to prevent landslides and flooding. Lastly, financial independence should be a main priority for future events.

This can be seen in Jamaica’s catastrophe bond, established with the World Bank to release $150 million in the aftermath of a storm. Governments can establish transparency and set up support centers to aid citizens affected both physically and mentally. Only through the prioritization of international support in the Caribbean can these measures be implemented.

GFDRR

The Global Facility for Disaster Reduction and Recovery (GFDRR) helps developing and middle-income countries that face natural hazards and climate-related challenges. GFDRR also provides financial assistance for technical support and solutions that these countries need. It has helped raise at least $34 billion in funds for their cause.

The organization has multiple partnerships with countries, including Australia and the United States, as well as the World Bank Group. Its actions focus on meeting specific targets for disaster relief and preparedness. In 2024, GFDRR provided more than $90 million in grants, including to Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Way Forward

Hurricane Melissa was not the first or the last hurricane to hit the Caribbean. The aftermath has shown the countries’ resilience and the kindness of people across the islands, even those who were not heavily affected. Governments and international organizations like GFDRR have donated millions of dollars for prevention, repair and reconstruction efforts.

Investing in the infrastructure that can withstand major hurricanes and provide safe havens that are not only temporarily available before and after disasters, but also long-term, may be key. Preventive measures, including reinforcing hospitals, schools and public buildings, will all assist with disaster preparedness in the Caribbean.

– Nickaylia Anderson

Nickaylia is based in Bronx, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr