Health crisis hits flood-ravaged Pakistan

Published

3 years ago

September 5, 2022

Reuters

UNICEF is warning of the the risk of waterborne diseases as one-third of Pakistan remains underwater

Residents in Pakistan have been warned of severe food shortages as the nation grapples with a relief and rescue operation of near unprecedented scale.

Widespread flooding has claimed the lives over 1,000 people, as nearly one-third of the country remains underwater.

UNICEF is working with the Pakistani Government and other non-government partners to respond to the urgent needs of children and families in affected areas.

“These floods have already taken a devastating toll on children and families, and the situation could become even worse. UNICEF is working closely with the Government and other partners to ensure that children affected get the critical support they need as soon as possible.”
Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.

In one instance, a wedding hall in the Pakistani town of Johi once received hundreds of joyful revellers.

However, it has since turned into a retreat for hundreds of sick patients, who are suffering from the effects of flooding.

Johi is in the hardest-hit Sindh province, which emains cut off from road access.

Record monsoon rains and melting glaciers in the northern mountains bought floods that have killed over 1,200 people.

The floods, which have been blamed on climate change, have destroyed all the crops in some areas.

In Balochistan, Pakistan’s army is delivering aid by helicopter.

The province has seen widespread devastation, including the washing away of key rail and road networks as well as breakdowns in telecommunications and power infrastructure.

“When disasters hit, children are always among the most vulnerable,” said Abdullah Fadil, who is UNICEF’s representative in the flood-ravaged nation.

Initial estimates of the damage across the country have been put at $10 billion.

Aid has flowed in from a number of countries, but charities in Pakistan have warned that there are still millions who have not been reached by aid and relief efforts.

SpaceX expands Starlink with phone plans and satellite tracking ambitions

SpaceX expands Starlink with a mobile device and space tracking, raising concerns over revenue and US government reliance.

Published

5 hours ago

February 6, 2026

Harvey Vargas

SpaceX expands Starlink with a mobile device and space tracking, raising concerns over revenue and US government reliance.

SpaceX is pushing Starlink beyond internet from space, with plans underway for new consumer facing services that could reshape the telecom landscape.

The company is reportedly exploring a Starlink mobile device, positioning it as a potential rival to established smartphone players as it looks to extend its reach from orbit to everyday tech.

Starlink has become SpaceX’s financial powerhouse, generating an estimated $8 billion in revenue last year, with fresh trademark and patent filings signalling even more ambitious expansion ahead.

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News

Oil prices surge as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate

Published

1 day ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Crude oil prices jumped over 3% on Wednesday as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks showed signs of faltering, pushing WTI futures above $65 per barrel. Axios reported disagreements over the venue and scope of Friday’s talks, while President Trump warned Iran’s supreme leader to “be very worried,” stoking fears of military escalation.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf added to the volatility. A U.S. F-35C shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln, and Iranian vessels threatened a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The USS McFaul escorted the tanker to safety, highlighting the region’s fragile oil supply routes.

Despite the clashes, nuclear talks will go ahead on Friday in Oman, but uncertainty continues to drive oil market volatility, with traders closely watching both diplomatic and military developments.

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News

Washington Post layoffs: Hundreds of journalists cut as Bezos faces criticism

Published

1 day ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

The Washington Post has laid off hundreds of employees, marking what former executive editor Martin Baron calls “one of the darkest days” in the paper’s history. Approximately one-third of the newsroom staff were affected, as the company undertakes a so-called “strategic reset” to compete in a crowded media landscape.

The cuts hit key areas, including the sports desk, local coverage, international reporting, the books desk, and the flagship daily news podcast. Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray said the changes aim to prioritise national security, politics, science, health, technology, climate, and business coverage while positioning the Post for the future.

Critics have called out owner Jeff Bezos for his silence during the layoffs and alleged efforts to influence the paper’s political stance. Former editor Baron warned that the newspaper’s ambitions would be sharply diminished and its credibility could suffer.

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