architect Larry, leaves millions dollars to help the poor from the specter of floods

In the vast landscapes of Pakistan, where poverty and vulnerability prevail, a remarkable woman named Yasmin Lari has emerged as a beacon of hope. At the age of 82, Lari, Pakistan's first female architect, made a courageous decision to abandon multimillion-dollar projects in the bustling megacity of Karachi. Her focus shifted towards helping the rural poor and shielding them from the devastating effects of floods, a recurring natural disaster that has plagued the country for years.

Driven by a deep sense of empathy and a vision for a more resilient future, Lari embarked on a mission to immunize Pakistan's most vulnerable rural communities against the ravages of climate change. Recognizing the urgent need for innovative solutions, she set out to create flood-resistant bamboo homes—a pioneering concept that would provide a sanctuary for those in harm's way.

In the village of Bono Colony, Lari's vision began to take shape. Through the construction of a few experimental homes, built with affordable local materials, families were spared from the worst monsoon floods that had inundated a third of the country the previous year. Witnessing the positive impact firsthand, Lari became even more determined to extend this project and its benefits to a larger scale.

Lari's audacious goal is to develop one million flood-resistant homes, designed with affordable local materials, thereby generating new employment opportunities for the most vulnerable residents. Her approach to this endeavor is one of inclusivity, emphasizing the concept of co-construction and co-creation. By involving the community in the process, Lari believes that they have an equal role in beautifying the homes and making them comfortable for themselves and their families.

Having honed her architectural skills in the United Kingdom, Lari's portfolio includes some of Karachi's most iconic buildings, such as the headquarters of the Pakistan Petroleum Corporation and a series of luxurious homes. While contemplating retirement, she found herself confronted with a series of natural disasters, including the devastating earthquake of 2005 and the catastrophic floods of 2010. These events served as catalysts, propelling her to continue working with the Pakistan Heritage Foundation, an organization responsible for managing her rural projects.

Lari's driving force is the desire to empower the local population by equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to become self-sufficient. She envisions a future where communities are no longer reliant on external aid during times of crisis. Her motto of "zero carbon, zero waste, zero donors" reflects her unwavering belief that eradicating poverty is possible through sustainable practices and community empowerment.

One of the innovative solutions Lari has championed is the construction of mud huts, known locally as "chanwara." These homes serve as a vast improvement over the traditional one-room dwellings scattered across the landscapes of the southern province of Sindh and the state of Rajasthan in India. The construction process requires only locally available materials, including lime, clay, bamboo, and straw. By directly training the local population, the cost of building a "chanwara" amounts to approximately $170—just one-eighth of the cost of a conventional brick and mortar house.

Despite the progress made, the challenges faced by rural Sindh remain significant. Tens of thousands of people remain displaced, and vast swathes of farmland lie stagnant, nearly a year after the worst floods in the nation's history. The World Bank and Asian Development Bank estimate that Pakistan incurred a staggering $32 billion in damages and economic losses as a result of the floods. An additional $16 billion is required for reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts.

Lari's unwavering commitment to transforming the lives of the rural poor and protecting them from the devastating effects of

floods is a testament to the power of determination and innovation. Her remarkable work has not only provided shelter and security but has also offered a glimmer of hope to those who have long endured the hardships of poverty.

As Lari continues her mission, it is crucial for individuals, organizations, and governments to support her noble cause. By providing assistance and resources, we can help extend the reach of this remarkable initiative and empower more communities to withstand the challenges posed by climate change and natural disasters.