The Challenge of Devastating Rainstorm to to go

By: Ishraq A. Haahmi

A large part of the country has been experiencing heavy rains for several months, which have turned into floods. A large number of people are affected by its devastation, while in the early days of this year, due to the lack of rain for a long time, the problem of water shortage was becoming worrisome, and the water reserves in the dams were nearing exhaustion. A new and very heavy series of rains has started this month, and as a result, the scope of the devastation is also expanding. According to weather forecasts, this trend will continue for some time.

According to the information available at the time of writing, about 300 people were killed and hundreds went missing in rains, cloudbursts, floods, and lightning strikes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan yesterday. A Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government helicopter engaged in relief activities in Bajaur crashed, and five people, including two pilots, were martyred. In addition to the collapse of dozens of houses, a large number of students, children, and women were also swept away by floodwaters. Several villages were wiped out, and connecting bridges and roads were destroyed. 

The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of more rains in different areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Due to the seriousness of the situation, the Prime Minister has called an emergency meeting and directed the head of the National Disaster Management Authority to continue full-scale relief operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.The death toll in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has crossed 214. According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, the worst-hit district was Buner, where more than 12 villages in Buner were severely affected by the cloudburst, taking the death toll to 213. In Gilgit-Baltistan, flash floods have also wreaked havoc in various valleys. Crops, houses, gardens, communication bridges and water channels have been destroyed in Chilas. 

In Azad Kashmir, flash floods swept away six communication bridges built on the river, killing eleven people in various accidents. The Pakistan Army’s flood relief operation is underway in flood-affected Swat and Bajaur. Pakistan Army teams are engaged in relief activities in the affected districts, and people are being shifted to safer places from flood-affected areas. Local people, rescue personnel, revenue staff, and volunteers of the Al-Khidmat Foundation are also participating in the rescue operation.The officers and men of the Pakistan Army have taken a commendable and exemplary decision to dedicate one day's salary to relief activities and rehabilitation of the affected areas. 

However, being among the top countries facing the serious impacts of global climate change, it is necessary to plan effectively on short- and long-term bases with the cooperation of local and international experts to face this challenge. The youth should be given complete training in civil defense throughout the country, especially in areas prone to rains and floods, and it should be made mandatory in educational institutions. 

A complete ban should be imposed on residential and commercial construction near rivers and storm drains. The availability of life jackets should be ensured for everyone in areas affected by climate change. If there is a risk of water entering homes, the main electricity switches should be turned off to avoid electrocution. In addition, developed countries should be encouraged to formulate special plans and provide financial support to all developing countries struggling with environmental challenges.