By: Evan Yang

Pakistan experiences a heavy downpour from July through September each year, triggering floods and ruining houses. The country, which has a large impoverished population, also struggles to contain the damage and repair losses. This year already, 310 people have died, with hundreds more injured. Cities like Karachi have been rendered impassable by flood waters, while businesses and public services have all but stopped operating. Even harder hit was the poorer Baluchistan province, which accounts for 99 of the 310 total deaths.

Pakistan ranks high among countries that have been hit hard by climate change. Earlier this year, it was hit by an intense heatwave. This year’s monsoon season has been particularly devastating due to heavier rainfalls, Afia Salam, a climate activist says. Forecasts show that the rain will only get heavier throughout the year, and Pakistan’s government is still woefully unprepared. Government relief and support are almost nonexistent, despite the desperate need for supplies and disaster management. Many blame the government for the deaths and loss of property.

“It will take weeks to drain water out, without any support from the municipal government,” says Ali, a vegetable vendor. Pakistan’s sewage and drainage systems are old, and not equipped to deal with the massive downpours of the monsoon season. In 2010, one of the worst floods in recent history affected 20 million people, and crippled infrastructure and agriculture. For now, it seems not much has changed, as the rains will only continue to get worse.