As the moonsoon rains have set in, the showers portend a reprieve for many from the unbearable heat. However,it is not all rosy for everyone. National Disaster Management Authority in its latest Hydrological Outlook report evinced that some of channels of Khyper
Pakhtunkhawa, Ravi, and Chenab rivers are prone to flooding. Yet, it seems that the alarm bells are ringing on deaf ears as per the governmental tradition of letting the crisis balloon before actually fixing it.
Pakistan has a long history of disastrous floods, most notably in 2010 and 2022. Climate change has only aggravated the crisis, making extreme weather events more common. Pakistan is 5th most vulnerable nation to climate change yet ranks 27th on its preparedness to mitigate its adverse effects.
On the other hand, the trend of Climate Reductionism has also taken root in the country whereby all administrative failings are attributed to climate change. This must change.
The authorities must wake up from their deep slumber and put their house in order. Measures such as sustainable utility of resources, capacity building of concerned authorities, and rigorous planning before the crisis strikes are paramount for the country’s survival.
Muhammad Ukasha Wadood
Lahore
[email protected]