Pakistan is among the countries that are affected by natural disasters, especially the devastating floods that occur during the monsoon season every year. These months of rainfall bring prosperity for farmers on one hand, but on the other, they pose a serious threat to millions of people living in cities, villages, and especially along the banks of rivers and streams.
Unfortunately, we witness the same scenes every year: homes swept away, submerged fields, lines of displaced people, crying children, and helpless citizens waiting for aid. The question is: are these truly natural disasters that we are helpless against, or have we ourselves turned them into calamities through negligence and carelessness? If we honestly assess the situation, it becomes evident that this destruction is not entirely natural-it is the result of human negligence, poor planning, corruption, environmentally harmful practices, and lack of awareness.The monsoon rains are a natural phenomenon, but the fact that they turn into catastrophic floods is proof of our shortcomings. Poor drainage systems, encroachments on streams and canals, deforestation in hilly areas, and unregulated urban construction have blocked the natural pathways of rainwater.
Floods cannot be entirely prevented, but their damage can certainly be minimized-provided we engage in timely planning, use modern technology, raise public awareness, and eradicate corruption.
The presence of settlements on riverbanks or within streambeds is inherently dangerous. Yet, neither the state takes action to relocate these settlements, nor do the people voluntarily move. When the floods come, everything is swept away-and then we blame the government’s apathy.Pakistan has a National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and provincial agencies (PDMA), but their performance seems limited to paperwork. Timely preparation, hazard mapping, emergency planning, and effective rescue and rehabilitation measures are rarely seen. In most places, there are no boats, no food supplies, and no medical aid available.There is a dire need to prepare a national emergency plan before every monsoon season. Preemptive evacuation from high-risk areas must be ensured. Rescue teams should be equipped with modern tools, boats, mobile hospitals, and training. Encroachments on streams and rivers must be eliminated.
We live in an age where weather prediction is possible. Satellites, radar, artificial intelligence, and advanced software can accurately forecast the intensity and timing of rainfall. If the Meteorological Department is equipped with modern technology, alerts can be issued days in advance.
These alerts can be conveyed to the public through mobile messages, FM radio, social media, and mosque announcements. To make this system more effective, local governments and volunteer organizations must be included and empowered.
Trees help absorb rainwater into the soil and strengthen the earth’s grip. When trees are cut down from mountains, rainwater causes soil erosion and landslides. Therefore, tree plantation is not just a slogan-it is a fundamental strategy for flood prevention.
In cities, illegal housing, markets, and factories built over drainage canals block the flow of water and turn streets and neighborhoods into ponds. The government must remove these encroachments and improve the drainage infrastructure.
Flood prevention is not only the government’s responsibility-it is the duty of every citizen. People must,Avoid throwing garbage into drains,Stay away from electric wires and poles during rain,Cooperate with rescue agencies,Avoid traveling to or staying in hazardous areas.
Every year during the monsoon season, thousands of tourists head toward the northern regions of Pakistan, especially to places like Murree, Naran, Kaghan, Swat, Hunza, and Gilgit-Baltistan. These areas become crowded with tourists. However, heavy rains and landslides during this time often result in fatal accidents: roads are blocked, vehicles are swept into rivers, bridges collapse, and many tourists become trapped in hotels or on roads, fighting for their lives.The government must impose temporary restrictions on tourism in these regions during the monsoon season-or at the very least, strongly discourage unnecessary travel. Parents, youth, and families must also act responsibly. Sightseeing can be postponed-life cannot.
After the monsoon, the biggest challenge is the rehabilitation of the affected population. Millions are left homeless. They require tents, food, clean drinking water, medicine, and psychological support. Often, these essentials are either insufficient or delayed.
The state must,Properly equip temporary camps with necessary facilities,Provide immediate financial assistance, loans, and employment to the flood-affected,Rapidly restore schools, hospitals, roads, and other basic services.
Every year, billions of rupees are allocated in the name of flood prevention, but the outcomes are negligible. Without punishing those responsible for corruption, poor planning, and negligence, no improvement is possible. There should be an effective and independent audit system that holds every project accountable.
Pakistan should seek technical assistance, funding, and environmental research cooperation from international organizations. Many countries have developed exemplary models for dealing with natural disasters-we must learn from them.Floods cannot be entirely prevented, but their damage can certainly be minimized-provided we engage in timely planning, use modern technology, raise public awareness, and eradicate corruption.
This is the time to move beyond emotional statements and take practical steps. Every drop of monsoon rain is a blessing from nature-but when this blessing becomes a burden, we must reassess our behavior.
The writer is an old Aitchisonian who believes in freedom of expression, a freelance columnist, entrepreneur and social activist.