Yes. Every year, Southeast Asia is at an increased risk of flooding from monsoons. Pakistan typically sees three or four monsoon rains per season. But this year, the country's seen eight. Since the monsoon season began in mid-June, more than 1,100 people in Pakistan have died from historic flooding. Of those, more than 300 are believed to be children. The flooding has destroyed hundreds of thousands of homes, cut off entire villages, and affected at least 30 million people.
Why is this happening?
Government officials are calling it a "climate catastrophe." And say the country's "ground zero" for extreme weather events. In the past year, Pakistan's also experienced heat waves, forest fires, and glacial lake outbursts (think: when melting glaciers violently burst through dams). Now, army and aid workers are struggling to rescue stranded residents. And the gov — already struggling with an economic crisis — is asking the international community and IMF for help. But relief efforts are expected to take a long time due to all the flood damage.
theSkimm
Monsoon seasons can be devastating. But Pakistan's facing its heaviest rains in three decades. And the country's turning to the world for help.
And Also...This
What we're keeping an eye on…
Ukraine. Yesterday, the country launched a counteroffensive to retake the southern port city of Kherson. It's the only regional capital that Russia has successfully captured since its invasion six months ago. The Kremlin has reportedly launched repeated attacks from Kherson, which is also a key location because of its proximity to the Black Sea. The counteroffensive comes as UN inspectors are en route to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (Europe's largest). Shelling there has raised concerns of a potential nuclear disaster. And prompted local officials to hand out iodine tablets, which can help block the absorption of radioactive iodine. Now, UN officials are stepping in to assess any damage to the plant.
What's got people hitting 'refresh' on their feeds…
The Mar-a-Lago raid. Yesterday, in a court filing, the Justice Dept said it completed its review of documents seized from former President Trump's home. But that's not all: A specialized team identified docs that could include info protected by attorney-client privilege. Important, because Trump wanted a special master — a third party — to carry out their own review. Now, the DOJ appears to be saying, 'too late.' A federal judge could make the final call in a hearing scheduled for Thursday. In the meantime, the DOJ's expected to release more info today — including a detailed list of the items it seized during the raid.
Who served up a show...
The GOAT. Yesterday, Serena Williams defeated Danka Kovinic in the first round of the US Open. The tournament's expected to be the last of her career. But don't wave goodbye yet. She'll hit the court at least two more times — including for doubleswith her sister Venus. Retirement can wait.
What ended up being an Artemis foul…
The Artemis I launch. Yesterday, NASA postponed the launch of its moon rocket at the last minute thanks to engine troubles. Relatable. Next up: it could attempt another launch this Friday…or later next month.
ICYMI, September is riiiiight around the corner. (Rabbit, rabbit, arewerite?) And to help you prep, we rec writing out your goals for the month so you stay on track. One idea? Revamping your top dresser drawer (aka replacing those socks you've been meaning to get rid of). Our friends at Bombas have tons of colorful, long-lasting styles that can help with that. We're talking…
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. A new way to bundle your fave subscriptions. With Apple One, you'll pay one great price for up to six Apple subscriptions. Including Apple Music, Apple TV+ (heyyy, Ted Lasso), Apple News+, and Apple Fitness+. How...one-derful. Try it now.*†
2. Comfy shirts that are positively perfect for fall. This brand's super soft, layer-friendly tops belong in your rotation. They're sustainably made to last so you can put 'em on repeat. Because sometimes, you actually can have it all. PS: here's 20% off.*
3. Groundbreaking serums we're totally hair for. Sorry, had to. But only because biotech brand Revela's making big moves when it comes to combating hair loss. ICYMI: They've discovered an ingredient that targets follicle growth directly. And Skimm'rs get 15% off their nourishing formulas with SKIMM15.*
4. Our fave online retailers for eyeglasses, sunglasses, and more. You don't have to spend an arm and leg for some new frames — whether you're in the market for blue-light glasses, transition lenses, or a polarized pair. Check out our picks.
*PS: This is a sponsored post.
†The Apple One free trial includes only services that you are not currently using through a free trial or a subscription. Plan automatically renews after trial until canceled. Restrictions and other terms apply.
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Guess who's coming to fundraise...Robyn G (CT). She's helped raise tens of thousands of dollars to support the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center — a non-profit theater and museum. Reminder: if you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun.
(Some) Birthdays…Ariel Garrett (NY), Brittany Immordino (NJ), Julia Bloch Thibaud (NY), Maria Fregoso (NY), Kelli Talarico (IL), Tina Cerami (IL), Ali Stettner (IL), Allison Smith (DE), Celina Kincaid (KS), Darlena Falcone (OK), Antonia Plick (PA), Elena Ripp (NY), Gia Mongell (NY), Christina Bowles (VA), Hilarie Orlansky (NY)
PS: Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
theSkimm Loyalty Program
Design: theSkimm
Join now – engage with our content, earn points, and use those points to unlock rewards. Think: swag, exclusive content, sweepstakes, and more. Start earning and get in on it here.
Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Melanie De Lima, Kate Gilhool, Maria del Carmen Corpus, and Julie Shain
