Flash flooding in Pakistan, like in many other regions, can be caused by a combination of natural and human-made factors. Understanding the causes helps in developing effective treatments to mitigate the impacts and reduce the frequency and severity of such events.
The monsoon season in Pakistan where the country receives maximum amounts of precipitation causes flash floods in KP and Punjab endangering the local population and their livestock. Last year monsoon rains wreaked havoc in KP, Punjab and Sindh and caused loss of life and property of millions, but the government has not taken any lessons from last year’s floods.
The main cause of flash flooding is indeed heavy rainfall but deforestation and urbanization are the important tools that enhance the chance of flash flooding in any area. Deforestation reduces the natural ability of forests to absorb water, which leads to increased surface runoff while rapid and unplanned urban development can create impermeable surfaces and inadequate drainage.
German cumulative risk index (CRI) ranks Pakistan as the eighth most climate-vulnerable country in the world. But the United Nations and other watch dogs have not done anything substantial to prevent the loss of life and property in Pakistan.
The local government and administration has issued the alerts regarding heavy rains this month but the work on ground seems to be non-existential. As usual, charity organisations have started the rescue and relief operations at village and rural level.
The devastation and destruction the floods have caused last year in three provinces should have awakened the government and international bodies, but the negligence and half-hearted efforts by the current government is again risking millions of lives who are in direct threat from flooding.
The monsoon rains in India and has also caused urban flooding in north India, India has also released 208,597 cusecs of water into the Sutlej River without informing the Pakistani authorities and the water level has reached dangerous levels at Kasur.
The internal threat of flash flooding across Punjab and KP and external threat from India releasing water without informing Pakistani authorities is another concern. India controls the water of all rivers by building dams in disputed IIOJK and can use the water as a weapon against Pakistan.
Pakistan has to remain vigilant during this monsoon season as it cannot afford the destruction and loss of property like last year as the country is grappling through high inflation. The government should implement and enhance early warning systems that can provide early alerts to communities at risk, allowing them to evacuate to safer areas before flash floods occur.
The old and outdated drainage system in Pakistan has also led to flash flooding in different areas of Pakistan. Proper drainage systems, flood barriers, dams and embankments can help redirect floodwaters away from populated areas.
The government should make a strong policy for encouraging reforestation and planting more trees that can increase the land’s capacity to absorb water and reduce runoff
It’s important to note that while some preventive measures and treatments can help manage flash flooding, a comprehensive approach involving government policies, community engagement, and regional cooperation is necessary for long-term resilience against such natural disasters. It is also important to approach these measures as part of a long-term strategy, considering the evolving environmental and climatic conditions in the region.