Upcoming Monsoon Rains Pose Threat of “Devastating” Floods in Pakistan

• NDMA warns Sindh and Punjab of potential flood emergencies in the upcoming monsoon season.
• Prime Minister’s coordinator on climate change emphasizes the devastating impact of monsoon rains.
• Authorities initiate pre-monsoon preparations, including cleaning and de-silting of nullahs.

Islamabad: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a stark warning, indicating that Sindh and Punjab provinces could face emergency situations due to severe floods during the impending monsoon season.

The announcement comes amidst preparations by provincial authorities to mitigate the potential impact of monsoon rains, which typically span from July to September in Pakistan. The NDMA’s cautionary statement highlights the urgency of readiness measures following devastating floods in 2022 that claimed lives, displaced millions, and caused extensive damage to infrastructure and crops.

Romina Khurshid Alam, the prime minister’s coordinator on climate change, underscored the gravity of the situation during a recent government task force meeting on global warming and heat waves. Alam emphasized the need for proactive measures, including the establishment and public awareness of relief camps in vulnerable areas.

“Hazards cannot be stopped but can be handled,” Alam stressed, emphasizing the critical role of preparedness in safeguarding lives and livelihoods from the dual threats of heat waves and floods exacerbated by climate change effects.

In response to the looming threat, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab has already commenced efforts to clean and de-silt nullahs to prevent urban flooding in cities like Lahore, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Narowal, and Rawalpindi. PDMA Punjab’s Director-General, Irfan Ali Kathia, urged swift drainage measures and early flood risk assessments to minimize potential damages.

“We are taking immediate steps to ensure effective drainage systems in cities prone to flooding,” Kathia stated, highlighting the proactive stance of local administrations in preparing for the monsoon onslaught.

As Pakistan braces itself for the monsoon’s arrival, efforts continue to fortify defenses against natural disasters, underscoring the imperative of coordinated responses and preemptive actions to mitigate the impact on vulnerable communities and vital infrastructure.