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.

U.S. ramps up Cuba aid as energy crisis deepens

Published

1 hour ago

February 6, 2026

Harvey Vargas

The United States has announced an additional $6 million in humanitarian aid for Cuba, bringing total assistance since Hurricane Melissa struck the island in October to $9 million. The new relief package will focus on Cuba’s eastern provinces, including Holguín, Granma, Santiago de Cuba, and Guantánamo, providing staples like rice, beans, pasta, canned tuna, and solar lamps. U.S. officials said embassy staff will monitor distribution to prevent the government from diverting supplies.

The announcement comes amid worsening energy and fuel shortages. Cuba has faced widespread blackouts, leaving millions without electricity in several provinces, while rising food prices and limited fuel supplies have intensified humanitarian pressures. Officials warn that without sufficient oil imports, hospitals, transport, and essential services could be severely affected. The crisis has escalated following U.S. restrictions on Cuba’s oil shipments and Venezuela’s inability to supply fuel, forcing Cuba to turn to Mexico as its primary energy partner.

Humanitarian situation

Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz‑Canel accused the U.S. of imposing an “energy blockade,” while Mexican officials work to deliver fuel without triggering U.S. tariffs. Díaz‑Canel expressed willingness to engage in dialogue but insisted talks must respect Cuba’s sovereignty. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has voiced serious concern, warning that the humanitarian situation could deteriorate further if oil supplies remain restricted.

As Cuba struggles to balance disaster recovery with an ongoing energy crisis, the international community faces a delicate challenge: providing humanitarian support while navigating complex geopolitical tensions.

News

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

7 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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