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Malnutrition in South Sudan

Malnutrition in South SudanSouth Sudan is believed to have one of the highest malnutrition rates among children, with an unsettling rate of 1.4 million. This problem extends to adults, as shown by the estimation that 7.8 million adults face food insecurity at some level. What makes the situation in South Sudan unique is that these are the highest levels of malnutrition in its history, making the nation a top priority for global aid agencies in the past years.

About Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a serious issue directly correlated to extreme poverty, making access to basic necessities like food essential when supporting developing nations. Tremendous steps have been taken in the global fight against malnutrition, largely driven by foreign aid. Foreign aid enables developing countries to invest in sustainable agriculture, ensuring food security until they can establish self-sustaining systems.

Efforts to combat malnutrition often start with direct food assistance, followed by investments in sustainable agriculture. While this approach is generally effective, some countries face external challenges that hinder progress, such as natural disasters and conflicts, which disrupt food production and distribution.

What Makes South Sudan’s Situation Different

South Sudan faces external challenges that complicate the fight against malnutrition, with one of the primary issues being widespread flooding. The region has endured severe flooding for several years, resulting in extensive damage. Areas affected by these floods often experience high levels of malnutrition.

The flooding hampers foreign aid efforts by preventing resources from reaching certain areas. For malnutrition, the issue lies in the inability of crops to produce sufficient yields. The combination of these problems makes the whole situation much harder to control. Another thing making things harder for South Sudan is the recent war. War has displaced millions of people in South Sudan, making the problem harder to track and keep control over.

Organizations Helping

The combined efforts of major organizations such as the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have helped with damage control. WFP has supported more than 600,000 people in South Sudan with fortified biscuits, cash transfers and nutrition support for children and mothers.

Similarly, UNICEF has responded to the needs of people affected and displaced by floods by providing them with basic supplies, such as soap, drugs and education materials. The organization has also strengthened local communities’ flood resilience and preparedness efforts, “including pre-positioning supplies during the dry season when roads are still accessible.”

Conclusion

Addressing malnutrition in South Sudan requires sustained international support and innovative solutions to overcome the country’s unique challenges. While foreign aid and humanitarian organizations have played a crucial role in providing immediate relief, long-term strategies such as improving flood resilience, strengthening food security and restoring stability remain essential. As South Sudan continues to face the highest malnutrition rates in its history, ongoing global efforts will be vital in ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the necessary resources to survive and build a more sustainable future.

– Kaleb Monteith

Kaleb is based in Greeley, CO, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Floods in Brazil: Avoiding Another Disaster

floods in brazilThe 2024 floods in Brazil, specifically in Rio Grande do Sul were considered the worst natural disaster in the region’s history. Heavy rain started to pour in April 2024 and did not stop for 10 days, overwhelming the basins of the Taquari, Caí, Pardo, Jacuí, Sinos, and Gravataí rivers. The water eventually overflowed as it reached the cities and ravaged several municipalities in Porto Alegre.

Floods in Brazil

Several neighborhoods and communities in the Rio Grande do Sul had been completely submerged in two weeks. People lost their homes, jobs, possessions, and loved ones, having to find shelter in churches and stadiums or, in the case of more vulnerable communities, under boats and cars. Around 163 people died, almost 600,000 were displaced and more than 65,000 were in shelters.

A recent study by the Metropolis Observatory showed that poorer families were the most affected by the floods in Brazil as they were struggling to rebuild themselves. Neighborhoods like Humaitá, in which the majority of the population earned a minimum wage, suffered the most. Similarly, in the Delta do Jacuí islands, 200 people had to improvise shelter in tents, cars, and under bridges. Floods have always been common in the city and have always affected the low-income population the most.

Volunteers

Alexandre da Silva, who volunteered in Porto Alegre’s shelters, said that it looked like a “war scene.”

“There was a lot of water. There were many volunteers with boats and helicopters—the rescues were non-stop. Hospitals [were full of] with people suffering from hypothermia, fainting and [those] who had ingested a lot of water.”

Overnight, residents from Porto Alegre found themselves in poverty. The unemployment rate could rise from 5.3% to 6.1%, and the investment needed to rebuild the city could cost billions of dollars. Specialists state that, despite a trend of impoverishment in the region, the extent is uncertain.

“People lost their jobs and did not get any compensation. They lost their houses and had no place to stay; they left with just the clothes on their backs because the flood was very fast. Imagine you are in your house and suddenly it starts flooding. Within three hours, the water had taken over”, declared Alexandre.

People Helping

The disaster quickly reached social media as people detailed their stories and asked for any sort of help. What was expected to be a small movement mobilized the entire country. At the time, the most popular content creator was the make-up artist Camila Pudim. In response to the floods and her new-found success, she posted on TikTok to encourage people to donate to Rio Grande do Sul. The video amounted to more than 90 million views, and several other creators followed in her footsteps, promising to donate their content’s revenues to the cause.

The previous 70,000 people in shelters fell to 1,800 by November 2024 in a continuous decline, and efforts are still ongoing towards the complete restructuring of the cities. The Brazilian government has recently authorized the budget to reconstruct 7,500 houses and the regional authorities have allocated 212 temporary residences aimed at providing homes to those awaiting definite housing.

Solidarity Campaign

Additionally, System Fiep organized the Solidarity Campaign, which continues working towards supporting the flood’s victims. Since its beginning in May, it has raised more than 65 tons of donations among them water bottles, food, clothing, bedding, hygiene products, cleaning products and toys.

The state is now implementing a new strategy, “Plano Rio Grande”, for reconstruction, adaptation, and climate resilience – allocating around 2.2 billion reais to the project. The actions taken include the transfers from the Civil Defense to the affected municipalities (which amount to a total of R$148 million), resources for the reconstruction of roads (R$117.7 million), the Volta por Cima social program, which allocated R$251.2 million to homeless and displaced families, and a program for dredging small rivers and streams (R$300 million).

Corporations Involving

SLC Institute, an organization within the agricultural business, helped with equipment, logistics, fundraising, and by donating R$ 500,000 to the Food Bank, an aid campaign. Renner, one of the most popular fast-fashion companies in Brazil, funded boat rentals that, according to its own Public Relations team, made 900 rescues in Porto Alegre and surrounding metropolitan areas. CMPC, a major player in the forest sector, also used trucks, helicopters, and backhoe loaders to assist in rescuing people and animals.

In addition, when combining the efforts, donations from the former and latter organizations summed up to 80,000 pieces of clothing, 75,000 liters of water, 5,000 bedsheets and towels, 14,000 blankets, 14,000 hygiene items, 15 tons of food, 4,000 food bank parcels, dozens of chemical toilets, and 750 mattresses destined to shelters.

– Beatriz Cicci

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

Photo: Flickr

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Flooding in Sri Lanka: Building Resilience

Flooding in Sri LankaSince 2019, poverty in Sri Lanka has surged, doubling to 25% by 2022. More than 2.5 million individuals now live below the poverty line. Severe flooding, especially in the Colombo region, displaces thousands annually and deepens the cycle of poverty. The projections for major flood events are even more concerning, as they suggest that 34,000 people could be pushed into poverty overnight, with approximately 1,000 of these individuals remaining in poverty a decade later. The latest Yala Monsoon season, which lasts from May to September, displaced communities, destroyed property and claimed lives, highlighting the growing severity of the issue. Addressing this crisis requires immediate, sustainable solutions that reduce poverty and mitigate seasonal floods. Without comprehensive action to combat flooding in Sri Lanka, the nation risks ongoing cycles of impoverishment, displacement and economic instability.

Building Colombo’s Flood Resilience

Colombo, situated within a river basin, faces regular flooding during the monsoon season. However, the city benefits from an extensive network of wetlands, which play a vital role in flood management by absorbing approximately 40% of floodwaters. Wetlands—areas of water-saturated land—serve as natural flood defenses by absorbing excess water and slowing down its flow, which mitigates flood intensity and associated damage. This natural buffer within Colombo helps alleviate the impacts of heavy rainfall and reduces the risks of flooding in Sri Lanka.

Urban expansion, however, has drastically reduced Colombo’s wetland areas, draining and infilling these ecosystems to accommodate growth. The World Bank revealed that Colombo’s wetlands had declined by about 40% over three decades. Wetlands like the Thalangama Wetland, just outside Colombo, suffer from degradation and misuse as dumping grounds. These direct and indirect effects of urbanization intensify Colombo’s vulnerability to flooding.

In response, the government, with support from the World Bank-funded Metro Colombo Urban Development Project, launched the Metro Colombo Wetland Management Strategy in 2016. This initiative prioritizes wetland restoration and integrates these ecosystems into urban planning to prevent further losses. These efforts led Colombo to become the first capital city to earn international Wetland City accreditation from the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 2018, which promotes international protection for its wetlands.

Today, Colombo’s wetlands receive stronger protection. According to BBC, efforts to rehabilitate degraded areas, including the Thalangama Wetland, have turned these spaces into biodiverse tourist attractions while maintaining their role as critical flood defenses. The government has also suspended all activities involving the filling or destruction of wetlands in 2018.

Looking Forward

Colombo has successfully revitalized its degraded wetlands, transforming garbage-filled areas into ecosystems that boost biodiversity and protect against flooding. Community-led cleanups and government initiatives, such as the 2016 Metro Colombo Wetland Management Strategy, have enhanced wetlands’ ability to boost environmental resilience and improve urban quality of life. The Ramsar accreditation has curbed further encroachment by raising awareness. However, rapid urban expansion still threatens these ecosystems, BBC reports. Sustained cooperation between residents, authorities, and organizations remains vital to safeguarding these wetlands, which are crucial to Colombo’s sustainability and flood defense.

Asian Development Bank (ADB) report emphasizes the rising frequency of El Niño events, which intensify monsoons and contribute to flooding in Sri Lanka. Restoring and protecting wetlands is just one of many essential steps to strengthen the country’s flood resilience.

– William Pickering

William is based in Nottingham, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How International Aid Is Helping the Victims of Typhoon Yagi

Victims of Typhoon YagiTyphoon Yagi emerged over the South China Sea in early September 2024, before making landfall in several Southeast Asian countries. Described by international organizations as one of the strongest storms in decades, it has caused heavy rainfall and widespread flooding, resulting in extensive physical damage and a total death toll of more than 500. Alongside the efforts of national governments to help their citizens affected by the damage, millions of dollars in international aid for Typhoon Yagi victims have also been provided by institutions such as the European Union (EU), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Aid in Vietnam

Vietnam has been one of the nations most severely affected by Typhoon Yagi, with more than 300 deaths being recorded and more than 50,000 people being forced to evacuate their homes. As a result, international aid for Typhoon Yagi has focused on Vietnamese reconstruction. The U.K. government has given more than $1 million to the country. In contrast, the EU has given about $720,000 of the $2.4 million total promised to Southeast Asia. These have helped supply emergency resources such as food and health care items.

Alongside government aid, Vietnam has also received water sanitizing resources from UNICEF, as widespread flooding has limited the supply of clean water and left 400,000 households in the country without access to it. UNICEF has provided 80,000 water purification tablets and 4,000 liters of clean water to the country’s three worst-hit provinces, alongside other health care items such as hand sanitizers and soap. With many schools damaged or destroyed in the flooding, along with the roads and bridges leading to them, UNICEF has supplied temporary learning materials for children who have lost access to education.

Similarly, the WHO has also supplied one million water purification tablets and 500 water containers to the Vietnamese Ministry of Health. It has also worked alongside the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) to broadcast radio messages in several ethnic minority languages in order to ensure that various communities receive relevant safety information.

Political Difficulties in Myanmar

Myanmar, further West in the region, has also suffered severe damage as a result of the storm, affecting an estimated 630,000 people and killing more than 200. Heavy rainfall has caused flooding and mudslides, which in turn have damaged and blocked many of the nation’s roads and bridges. Furthermore, the civil war that has gripped the country since 2021 has made it difficult to assess the damage caused in rebel-controlled regions, as their communication with central military powers is limited.

As a result of such difficulties, the EU has dedicated the largest share of its aid to nations affected by Typhoon Yagi, while the U.N. World Food Programme (WFP) dedicated emergency food supplies to around 500,000 people affected by flooding in Myanmar. However, some difficulties remain for aid agencies trying to access rebel-controlled areas, both due to political instability and the damage caused to roads and bridges by excessive flooding.

Funding for Other Nations

International aid for Typhoon Yagi victims has also been provided to nations that sustained slightly less damage due to flooding. The EU allocated more than $200,000 to the Philippines and about $166,000 to Laos, while the WFP has distributed shipments of rice in some of the worst affected regions of Laos in order to aid those whose land and crops were damaged due to flooding.

Final Note

Typhoon Yagi has caused destruction across Southeast Asia, severely damaging infrastructure and leaving hundreds of thousands in precarious positions. Through providing clean water, health care and educational supplies, these organizations have demonstrated the importance of international aid in providing relief to those affected by natural disasters and helping nations recover from widespread damage. International aid for Typhoon Yagi victims, from both governments and NGOs, has proved key in providing stability and security for regions impacted by widespread flooding.

– Izzy Tompkins

Izzy Tompkins is based in Leeds, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Dreamwater Providing Drinking Water in Bangladesh

DreamwaterDreamwater Enterprises LTD is a venture under Footsteps Bangladesh that provides Bangladeshi civilians with quality drinking water at an affordable price. Through the construction of water plants, portable water filters and low-cost household filters, Dreamwater has converted more than 4,50,000 liters of flood water into drinking water.

Bangladesh’s Water Crisis

Bangladesh, with a population of 171 million, faces a severe water crisis. More than 18% of its population lives below the poverty line and more than 40% lack access to safe water. This lack of access to clean water sources contributes to the prevalence of water-borne diseases such as diarrhea, dengue fever and tuberculosis. One of the most pressing issues is water contamination. Bangladesh has the highest rate of arsenic-contaminated water in the world, primarily due to natural geological sources polluting groundwater. The presence of arsenic in drinking water poses serious health risks, including skin lesions, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and developmental effects.

Furthermore, the country faces significant challenges due to high salinity levels in its water. This problem is exacerbated by a decrease in the Ganges River’s upstream flow, which has led to increased salinity intrusion from the Bay of Bengal. High salinity not only makes drinking water unsafe but also affects agriculture, as saline water can damage crops and reduce agricultural productivity. This, in turn, threatens food security and the livelihoods of farmers, who make up a significant portion of the population.

Bangladesh’s frequent and severe flooding compounds the water crisis. Flooding can contaminate freshwater sources with pollutants and pathogens, further reducing the availability of safe drinking water. During the monsoon season, the risk of water-borne diseases increases as floodwaters spread contaminants over large areas.

Dreamwater’s Work

Dreamwater’s innovations in water filtration have enabled it to take water from floods and convert it into safe drinking water. The filters take flood water and eliminate odor, enhance taste and remove potential toxins. Its portable water filters can be carried anywhere to convert any water into drinking water. The hand-powered version of the filter allows those in areas without electricity to have access to clean drinking water.

Dreamwater has created centralized water plants that can filter water for entire houses, apartment buildings, factories and other large-scale facilities. This creates safe tap water for drinking and bathing, helping eliminate the spread of waterborne disease in highly populated areas.

Dreamwater filters can convert more than 75 liters of water an hour and last more than 15,000 liters before needing replacement. They are priced at 20,000 BDT, which is around $170, making them affordable for low-income communities throughout the country.

Final Remark

With Dreamwater’s filters, areas in Bangladesh that have been ravished by flooding have an ensured source of clean drinking water at an affordable price. These filters help communities throughout Bangladesh save money and avoid disease, helping fight the country’s poverty and illness issues.

– Nicolas Mezzaucella

Nicolas is based in New Rochelle, NY, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Women’s Rights in Suriname

Women's Rights in SurinameArticle 35 of the Surinamese Constitution states that men and women are equal before the law. Recent studies indicate that 13.6% of women and 14% of men live below the international poverty line, showing fairly equal levels of poverty among both genders in Suriname. However, these numbers fail to capture the economic disparities that women face due to unpaid labor, health risks and social roles. Suriname’s coastal location makes it severely prone to flooding, and this is one contributor to women’s disadvantageous position in society. Women’s traditional role in society, unique health risks and limited participation in decision-making disproportionately impact women during flooding and increase poverty rates among Surinamese women.

Traditional Role of Women

In Suriname, gender roles are clearly defined, and women are responsible for household chores or raising children. Because they spend so much of their time doing unpaid work, they have fewer opportunities to seek paid employment. This financial dependency on the men in the household reinforces women’s lower position in society. Additionally, cultural practices in Suriname restrict women’s freedom of movement, meaning males must accompany them if they walk outside their homes or villages. Moreover, flooding exacerbates this issue because infrastructure damage makes travel difficult. This limited mobility hinders women from finding employment or education, making the traditional role of women a primary reason why women face higher rates of poverty than men, according to the 2023 Gender and Disaster Risk Management (DRM) report.

Health Risks

Flooding results in contaminated water, which disproportionately affects women because they use this water while doing household chores. This increased exposure heightens their chance of contracting waterborne illnesses, according to the 2023 DRM report. When floods compromise women’s health, they cannot fully participate in society or pursue higher education or employment. This perpetuates the cycle of inequality because women suffering from poor health are less productive and will be more likely to remain in poverty.

Limited Participation and Decision Making

In Suriname, women hold only 29.4% of seats in national parliament. The average percentage of women in parliament in the LAC is 32.8%, so Suriname is slightly lower than the regional average, according to the 2023 DRM report. Because women in Suriname have limited representation in decision-making about disaster management or response efforts, policymakers overlook women’s needs during a flood. Even if women want to participate in decision-making, societal expectations and systemic discrimination create barriers for them. Lack of input from women in decision-making causes important issues like equal pay or maternity leave to not be prioritized, which hinders women’s economic opportunities and increases the risk of poverty.

Ilse Henar Foundation for Women’s Rights

Flooding in Suriname has enlarged the gender poverty gap, and the Ilse Henar Foundation for Women’s Rights is working to correct this. Founded in 1996 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the National Women’s Movement, this NGO aims to protect the rights of women, establish non-discrimination policies in Surinamese law and alleviate poverty for all. One of its most notable accomplishments was helping draft legislation to eliminate sexual harassment in workplaces in Suriname. By focusing on women’s rights, the Ilse Henar Foundation is ensuring that women have legal protection from harassment or discrimination, creating a safer work environment. This incentivizes women to seek employment, lifting them out of poverty.

Conclusion

Flooding in Suriname exacerbates the challenges faced by women, highlighting the urgent need to address gender disparities. Empowering women in disaster management is crucial because their inclusion in decision-making ensures that their needs are translated into policies. The Ilse Henar Foundation for Women’s Rights does exactly that, advocating for women’s rights in Suriname and ensuring their equal participation in decision-making processes. These actions foster an environment where women in Suriname can thrive economically because they are more willing to join a workforce that is free of harassment and discrimination.

– Sophia Manole

Sophia is based Bellevue, WA, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

Floods in Libya: Examining the Causes and Effects

Libya FloodsIn September 2023, the Libya Floods inflicted a devastating event upon Derna. Derna is an eastern Libyan port city housing approximately 100,000 residents. Storm Daniel, categorized as a “medicane,” or a tropical cyclone, nourished by the warm Mediterranean waters, wreaked havoc and triggered extensive flooding. The impact of this storm has been catastrophic for the people of Libya. 

Presently, the death toll stands at 11,300, primarily concentrated in Derna, with an additional 170 fatalities recorded in neighboring areas within the Al Akhdar and Al Marj districts. The report reveals that more than 10,100 people are missing, and the continuous flood has caused 25,000 citizens to lose their homes.

Why Did This Happen?

Storm Daniel hit the Mediterranean, causing heavy rains and then moving south to Libya on September 10, 2023. Libya is a predominantly arid country, rarely receiving substantial rainfall. The downpour released around 400mm of rain onto Derna in only 24 hours, a city that usually only takes 540mm annually. Due to this unusual climate event, the region’s infrastructure struggled to manage all the excess water from the flooding. 

Another contributing factor is the poor drainage systems in Libya. The lack of effective drainage infrastructure due to poor maintenance of the two dams, which collapsed, only exacerbated the flooding. Additionally, as the city has become more urbanized, which has reduced natural drainage areas, the rainwater has fewer places to infiltrate the ground. 

Impact on Communities

The effects of the floods will have devastating long-term consequences for the citizens of Libya. The economic implications of the flooding are astronomical. The destruction of infrastructure, including roads, bridges and utilities, has disrupted transportation networks and hindered the movement of goods and people, impacting trade and commerce. Extensive damage has forced many businesses to shut down temporarily, causing financial losses and job insecurity for the local workforce. The cost of repairing and rebuilding damaged infrastructure is substantial and strains government resources.

UNICEF has reported that the floods have displaced 43,059 people, including more than 16,000 children, from their homes. Those who cannot find accommodation with relatives are currently provided shelter in schools. Other citizens find themselves stranded in their residences, facing critical shortages of electricity and clean water. Concurrently, a significant portion of the population is heading eastward to Benghazi as they seek safety from the devastating effects of the flooding. 

The spread of water-borne diseases is an additional threat. Exposed sewage leaking into the water systems has rendered the water too hazardous for consumption. Stagnant floodwaters create breeding grounds for waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. These breeding grounds can quickly spread in overcrowded temporary shelters and communities lacking access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Evidence of this is already apparent, with 55 children being ill from the contaminated water. 

Government Response 

In response to the Libya floods, government authorities are actively investigating the contributing factors, ensuring they evaluate the effectiveness of existing drainage systems and disaster preparedness measures. In parallel, authorities are scrutinizing the Water Resources Authority and the Dams Management Authority over allegations of negligence.

Eight current and former officials have been apprehended, pending further investigation into their involvement in the recent flood catastrophe. After the Libya floods, authorities dismissed Derna Mayor Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi and subjected him to questioning. After the Libya floods, authorities apprehended eight current and former officials for further investigation. General Prosecutor Al-Siddiq Al-Sour stated, “The eight former and current officials have failed to provide evidence that would absolve them from potential charges, leading prosecutors to order their detention until the investigation reaches its conclusion.” 

Environmental Consequences

The environmental impacts in Libya played a pivotal role in exacerbating the floods. Deforestation and urbanization reduced the land’s natural ability to absorb rainfall, resulting in heightened surface runoff during heavy rains. Poor land management practices, including inadequate soil conservation, exacerbated soil erosion and sediment buildup in waterways.

Climate scientists at the World Weather Attribution Group found that 50% more rain had fallen from Storm Daniel due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions. Further research also concluded that flooding was ten times more likely to happen due to climate change. 

International Support and NGOs

Government authorities and humanitarian organizations have jointly launched extensive relief efforts in response to the Libya floods. Several United Nations humanitarian agencies, including UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees), WFP (World Food Programme), WHO (World Health Organization) and IOM (International Organization for Migration), have actively engaged in on-the-ground support operations. 

The United Kingdom has significantly bolstered its life-saving assistance to Libya by earmarking a substantial £1 million aid package. UK-MED, an NGO, has been responsible for conducting quick medical evaluations. In tandem with the U.K.’s efforts, the European Union has committed 94.5 million euros for humanitarian aid and an additional 5.7 million euros in emergency allocations. This international support addresses immediate needs and reinforces Libya’s long-term capacity to cope.

Long-Term Solutions

Implementing long-term solutions is imperative in the aftermath of the devastating flooding in Libya. Developing robust floodplain management strategies to prevent encroachments into flood-prone areas is essential to enhance resilience and reduce future risks.

Investing in improved drainage systems and sustainable urban planning will also be crucial to addressing flood vulnerability. Afforestation and reforestation initiatives can help restore the natural water-absorbing capacities of the land. Climate change adaptation strategies, such as early warning systems and disaster preparedness plans, should be established to anticipate and respond to extreme weather events. Furthermore, sustainable land and water resource management practices and stricter regulations and enforcement can help safeguard against environmental degradation and pollution. 

Regarding the economic fallout from the floods, strategies to help businesses are imperative. The flooding has significantly burdened Libya’s economy and will take time to recover. Collaboration with international organizations and neighboring countries is key to Libya’s recovery.

– Sophie Higham
Photo: Unsplash

Khalsa Aid’s Response to Flooding in India

Flooding in IndiaIn July of 2023, northern India experienced torrential rainfall from monsoons. As a result of the unprecedented amount of rain, at least 100 people have died from landslides and flash floods. While South Asia typically experiences monsoon rains from June to September, climate change has made flooding in India and other weather events more extreme and erratic.

As a testament to the increasing severity of the monsoon rains, flooding from the Yamuna River reached the walls of the Taj Mahal. As the Yamuna reached its highest level on record at 684 feet, other sectors of Indian life were affected as well.

The Jamuna River, which runs through the capital of New Delhi, rose 681.5 feet, forcing schools to close, making residents evacuate and submerging cars and homes.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) classifies India as one of the nations most affected by climate change, and the flooding in India is only expected to worsen. Northern India received a month’s worth of rainfall in a single day, leading to 30,000 residents being moved to relief camps, 600 homes damaged and 300 people stranded.

How Impoverished Indians are Affected

The flooding in India affects poor populations the most. As homes are destroyed, individuals are displaced from their neighborhoods and forced to move. In fact, it is projected that 45 million Indians will be forced to migrate by the year 2050 as a result of climate-related disasters. 

The destruction of homelands is not the only factor contributing to India’s climate refugee crisis. Although monsoon rains were traditionally necessary for successful crop yields, the damage of extreme climate events outweighs the benefits. 

Individuals are forced deeper into poverty from flooding in India. Small farmers depending on agriculture to make a living can no longer cope with damage caused by severe weather. Since floods damage crops, roads, homes and land, workers cannot travel to their jobs or grow and transport their crops. In fact, the International Institute for Environment and Development found that 70% of households migrated after extreme weather disasters. To escape poverty, India’s most vulnerable populations abandon their livelihoods in hopes of finding jobs elsewhere. 

Khalsa Aid International

Luckily, organizations such as Khalsa Aid are committed to mitigating the effects of extreme flooding in India. Khalsa Aid is an international non-governmental organization that provides humanitarian aid in disaster areas. The organization has been relying on the help of volunteers and donors since 1999 to help vulnerable populations dealing with issues like famine, water scarcity, civil war and more.

As a response to the July 2023 floods, Khalsa Aid coordinated emergency relief efforts in the Punjab region of northern India. Teams on the ground operated in Ropar, Morinda, Rajpura and other cities to provide food and shelter to people stranded in their villages by the flooding.

Looking Ahead

So far, Khalsa Aid U.S.A. has already donated $250,000 to clean-up and rebuilding efforts after the flooding in India. Although flooding and extreme weather events are expected to continue, the work of Khalsa Aid is a reminder that vulnerable populations throughout India and the world will be supported by those who care.

– Meilyn Farina
Photo: Unsplash

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Flooding in Uganda 

Flooding in Uganda Due to global warming over the past few years, the world has seen many countries be thrown into crisis due to natural disasters. Uganda has been one of those impacted countries.

What’s Happening?

24 people have died and over 5,600 people have been displaced due to the eruption of 2 riverbanks in Eastern Uganda causing flash flooding after heavy rain. The floods have also led to 400,000 people without clean water and destroying thousands of acres of farmable land. Flooding in Uganda has left many Ugandans without the capacity to sustain their basic needs. Rain is predicted for the coming month and the local government has a goal of evacuating 100,00 people out of the Eastern Ugandan area, only 2,500 have been evacuated thus far.

Impact On Poverty

Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world. Half of the population is 15 years old or younger, so this massively impacts the work force. 76% of the country lives in rural areas and 73% of the work force works in agriculture. The floods have greatly impacted this massive industry of agriculture which affects the way the population is able to earn sustainable wages. 41% of the country already lives below the poverty line of less than $1.90/day. Fertile land and farming are seen as a way for people to make a living for themselves.

With the floods having no end in sight and likely only to get worse due to global warming, thousands of acres have been lost in this season alone and it is hard to say when the industry could make a full recovery.  The eastern and northern regions of Uganda have higher poverty populations than the rest of the country. This means flooding in Uganda is more likely to affect people who are in poverty.

Humanitarian Impact

On June 13, politicians in the area declared a need for humanitarian assistance in food security. The USAID and BHA are planning to deliver emergency funds to the world food program in order to help with the food crisis caused by the flooding in Uganda. The U.S. also announced a donation of $20 million in development assistance to the country. The funds are meant to ease the food insecurity by helping the agriculture industry and providing the country with improved techniques to increase productivity and to prevent losses.

 A Look Ahead

The situation for many in Uganda is currently not adequate, however, the people of the world see their struggle and have committed to helping. The U.S. and other organizations have seen this problem all over the world in terms of food insecurity caused by natural disasters. While the problem may not be gone today or tomorrow, there are countless people trying to make sure that the Ugandans in the coming years will not have the same worries.

– Alex Peterson
Photo: WikiCommons

Flood-Tolerant Rice Benefits Farmers in India

Flood-Tolerant Rice BenefitsRice farming and production impacts the lives of millions throughout the world. Rice is the staple food of three billion people globally and a source of income for many. The farming of rice also contributes significantly to the economic growth of many countries. Especially within developing countries, the success of rice production is crucial for feeding individuals and creating economic stability. Flood-tolerant rice benefits developing countries reliant upon rice for livelihoods, food security, and the economy’s stability.

Environmental Challenges Affect Rice Production in India

Recent changes in the climate have caused rice production volatility due to flooding and drought. As many as 4.8 million people in India are exposed to river flood risks each year. In India, environmental challenges have had an especially negative effect on rice crops as floods have overtaken many viable planting areas. This flooding has disproportionately affected low-income farmers. These farmers often work with less reliable plots of land that are more prone to flooding. Without the development of techniques to help combat extreme weather, both the livelihoods of low-income people within India and the general Indian economy will experience a significant socio-economic impact.

Swarna Sub-1 Rice

A strain of flood-tolerant rice called Swarna Sub-1 has been a major development that addresses crop damage due to flooding in India. As a mixture of two different rice varieties, this scientifically developed plant is able to withstand intense flooding. This type of rice has been on the market for use since around 2009; however, many farmers have not had access to the rice strain until recently. This is largely due to the lack of information about the existence of Swarna Sub-1 and a lack of accessibility to it.

Flood-Tolerant Rice Benefits

The introduction of flood-tolerant rice has allowed for an increase in rice production, as J-PAL studies have shown. J-PAL is an organization that researches innovative solutions to global poverty. The increased rice production throughout India has had an incredibly positive effect, both economically and socially, as there is a larger supply of rice boosting local economies. As impoverished farmers have seen more successful rice harvests, they have been keener to cultivate a greater amount of farmland and make riskier agricultural decisions. Farmers have also invested in fertilizers to further increase crop health as they are more sure of their ability to create a solid income through rice farming. Additionally, precautionary rice savings decreased, suggesting farmers have perceived lower risk of crop losses with the flood-tolerant rice.

Swarna Sub-1 seeds increased rice yields by about 10% over the course of two years, as seen in the study. Researchers stated that the productive behavior changes among farmers who planted Swarna Sub-1 accounted for 41% of the long-term increase in rice yields. The higher yields also increased the income of farmers by roughly $47 per hectare.

The Potential of Flood-Tolerant Rice

These flood-tolerant rice benefits have improved the livelihoods of impoverished farmers in India while also contributing to food security and local economies. Increased access to flood-tolerant rice varieties in developing countries has the potential to improve lives and lift people out of poverty.

– Olivia Bay 
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