Locations
Asata Bibi at her Karyana Store that UNDP restored with support from the Government of Japan.
With the floods came devastation — we lost everything, from our homes to our livelihoods. We had no choice but to move to the embankment, unsure of what the future held.Asata Bibi, Imam Baksh Mallah village
Asata's village, Imam Baksh Mallah, is nestled in Sindh’s Larkana district—one of the worst-hit areas by the catastrophic 2022 floods, which displaced millions and pushed countless families to the brink of survival.
The 2022 floods were among the worst climate disasters in Pakistan’s history, submerging one-third of the land and causing damages worth US$30 billion. Over 33 million people were affected, with eight million displaced overnight.
For families like Asata’s, the flood was more than just a natural disaster – it was the loss of years of hard work. Forced to leave everything behind, they lost not only their home but also the small tuck shop that had been their primary source of income for years.
With two children to care for, one living with a disability and the other dreaming of higher education, Asata faced a daunting reality. Her husband’s occasional fishing trips provided some relief, but it was never enough to rebuild the life they had lost. Each day became a struggle, not just for survival but for dignity and hope.
Asata Bibi with her children at her home.
Amid the devastation, UNDP, with generous support from the Government of Japan, stepped in to help.
Through its Flagship Flood Recovery Programme (FRP), UNDP is helping rebuild lives, transitioning from immediate relief to long-term resilience, with a strong focus on livelihood restoration. The programme responds to the urgent needs of flood-affected families by providing critical livelihood support to help them regain their sources of income and rebuild their futures.
Under the Karyana Development Enterprise initiative, UNDP supported over 2,200 entrepreneurs with enterprise development packages, enabling business revival. Asata also received essential stock to restore her shop. What had once stood as an empty, flood-ravaged structure was now replenished with groceries and household essentials, allowing her to resume business and regain financial independence.
Today, the income from the shop not only covers Asata’s household expenses but also contributes to her son’s education, ensuring that his dreams remain within reach despite the hardships they have endured.
“My shop means everything. It keeps us going and gives me hope for my children’s future.” – Asata Bibi
But the impact extends beyond Asata’s family. Her shop has once again become a vital resource for the community, supplying daily necessities to neighbors who also lost everything in the floods.
The Flood Recovery Programme continues to strengthen long-term economic stability, empowering women like Asata Bibi to not just survive but build sustainable livelihoods. Her highlights the resilience of flood-affected communities in overcoming adversity and the power of collaboration in restoring livelihoods. With sustained support, women like Asata can achieve economic empowerment and emerge stronger.
The journey of recovery continues, but with every restored business, every rebuilt home, and every child who can continue their education, we move one step closer to a future where resilience triumphs over disaster.
Story by:
Anum Feroz
Partnerships, Communications and Advocacy Officer, Flood Recovery Programme, UNDP Pakistan
Photos by: Blimp
