by Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal
The monsoon season in Pakistan, particularly in cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and other parts
of the country, has long been synonymous with destruction and disruption. Every year, the arrival
of heavy rains brings with it a sense of dread as residents brace for the inevitable flooding,
infrastructure collapse, and the subsequent loss of lives and property. Despite the predictability
of these events and the significant advancements in meteorological sciences, Pakistan remains
woefully unprepared to effectively manage and mitigate the impacts of these natural calamities.
The human toll of these disasters is heart-wrenching. Every year, lives are lost, families are
displaced, and livelihoods are destroyed. The images of submerged homes, overturned buses, and
people wading through waist-deep water are a stark reminder of the failure to address the root
causes of the problem. The loss of life and property is not just a consequence of natural forces
but also a reflection of systemic neglect and poor governance. The lack of preparedness and
preventive measures highlights a broader issue of governance and accountability that needs to be
urgently addressed.
Constructing a house is a laborious task, reflecting the hard work poured into each brick and
beam. Operating a shop or business requires continuous dedication and resilience, often
stretching people to their utmost capacities. It's not uncommon for many to sell precious
agricultural land or family heirlooms to secure the needed capital. Dreams come to fruition
through the shared sacrifices of community committees, where personal wishes are set aside. Yet,
when such diligent efforts prove to be in vain, it can cast a shadow over one's soul, akin to an
apocalyptic despair, engulfing all hope.
A key factor contributing to the insufficient response to monsoon-related disasters in Pakistan is
the absence of thorough planning and coordination among the concerned authorities. Although
the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issues timely forecasts and warnings, these often
do not lead to effective action plans at the community level. This gap between forecasting and
actual preparedness is evident, rendering cities such as Lahore and Rawalpindi susceptible to the
severe impacts of intense rainfall. The piecemeal disaster management strategy, marked by a lack
of collaboration between different government and non-government entities, fosters a reactive
rather than a proactive approach to the challenges posed by the monsoon season.
Furthermore, the lack of a clear and effective sewerage system worsens the situation. In cities
such as Lahore and Rawalpindi, the urban infrastructure struggles to cope with the heavy
monsoon rains. The drainage systems, frequently blocked with debris and poorly maintained, are
unable to effectively divert rainwater from residential and commercial zones. Consequently, this
results in extensive flooding, with water levels quickly rising and flooding homes, businesses,
and thoroughfares. The absence of investment in the modernization and enlargement of these
drainage systems exacerbates the issue, leaving the cities vulnerable to the annual onslaught of
the monsoon.
A significant factor in the recurring monsoon crises is the inadequate emphasis on preventive
measures. Even with the predictable nature of the monsoon season, there is an apparent shortage
of efforts to lessen its effects. For example, while early warning systems exist, they are not
efficiently relayed to the populace. There is an urgent requirement for comprehensive public
awareness campaigns to inform citizens about potential dangers and protective actions for their
safety and property. Additionally, the enforcement of zoning regulations and building standards
that consider the flood susceptibility of certain regions is weak, leading to unregulated
construction in flood-prone areas, which intensifies the destruction during heavy rainfall.
In addition to the immediate physical damage, the long-term socio-economic impact of
monsoon-related disasters cannot be overlooked. Flooding disrupts daily life, halts economic
activities, and strains public resources. Schools are closed, healthcare services are overwhelmed,
and transportation networks are paralyzed. The economic losses run into billions, with businesses
suffering from downtime and damage to infrastructure. The poorest and most vulnerable
communities bear the brunt of these calamities, often losing everything and struggling to rebuild
their lives with limited support.
This raises the question: why are we unprepared or failing to plan for mitigating losses from
these foreseeable calamities? A portion of the answer resides in the absence of political
determination and the low priority given to disaster management. Even with the regularity of
monsoon-induced disasters, there remains a persistent shortfall in investments for disaster
readiness and infrastructure enhancement. The distribution of resources often favors more
conspicuous and politically beneficial projects, overshadowing the vital yet understated endeavor
of fortifying resilience to natural disasters.
Moreover, corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency impede the effectiveness of disaster
management. Allocated funds for infrastructure development and maintenance frequently suffer
misappropriation, leading to inferior projects that cannot endure the monsoon season's
challenges. The absence of transparency and accountability in public fund utilization weakens
the establishment of a strong disaster management framework, rendering the population
susceptible to natural calamities.
Rapid urbanization and population growth in cities such as Lahore and Rawalpindi present
significant challenges. The swelling population exerts tremendous pressure on infrastructure,
which is insufficient for everyday needs, much less the severe conditions of the monsoon season.
The disorderly expansion of urban areas encroaches upon natural drainage channels and water
bodies, aggravating flood risks. Addressing the challenges of urban planning and sustainable
development is crucial to lessen the impact of future monsoon seasons.
The impact of climate change on intensifying monsoon-related disasters is undeniable. Shifts in
weather patterns and a rise in the intensity of rainfall events are expected to aggravate these
challenges in future years. This complexity compounds the already demanding job of disaster
management. It highlights the necessity for an inclusive and proactive strategy that incorporates
climate resilience into the fabric of urban planning and infrastructure development.
In summary, the frequent monsoon-induced disasters in Pakistan, especially in urban centers like
Lahore and Rawalpindi, highlight the critical need for transformative changes in disaster
management and city planning. The current lack of readiness, inefficient systems, and the
absence of preemptive strategies reflect broader governance, accountability, and priority issues.
To preserve human life and protect property, it is imperative to initiate collaborative actions
involving government bodies, NGOs, businesses, and citizens. Investing in infrastructure, raising
public awareness, and enforcing strict construction regulations and land-use policies are essential
for fostering a resilient, disaster-prepared Pakistan. It is only through persistent and unified
efforts that we can mitigate the impacts of foreseeable disasters and secure a safer future for the
populace.
