The monsoon rains have started in Pakistan. The rainfall has broken a 30-year record in Lahore and the city is at risk of urban flooding. The situation is similar in Islamabad, Rawalpindi and other parts of Punjab and will join reach the southern areas including Karachi.
The city of Lahore become an urban swamp after receiving 290mm of rainfall within a few hours. The authorities could only blame the effects of climate change and their own apathy for the situation. The city was flooded in pre-monsoon rains and even underpasses were inundated. The government issued instructions to the make precautionary measures which proved inadequate for the strong monsoon.
The Met Office warned that Pakistan would receive above-normal rainfall and increasing temperatures nationwide in July. It also issued a warning for flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods in northern areas and urban flooding in low-lying areas. It asked all departments to remain vigilant and prepare for emergencies and even issued an alert for rain emergency.
The failure to plan will surely lead to failure. It has been witnessed since several years that Pakistan is experiencing above normal rainfall. It has been the country most affected by the onslaught of climate change and has witnessed forest fires, flash floods and heatwaves in recent years. The government has raised concerns but still remains unprepared to deal with the situation.
Last year Pakistan suffered the worst floods since 2010, which killed 1,700 and displaced 3.5 million people. The floods caused widespread destruction of homes, damage to farmland, and a serious economic setback, which the country hasn’t recovered from completely. This year again, the situation is not much different as the nation once faces the onslaught of extreme weather.
There has been no accountability over the funds received for flood victims. Pakistan received billions in funds after the crisis and the government assured they will be used effectively. This was also a bone of contention between the federal and provincial government which risked the passing of the budget. The political wrangling continues but there is no respite for the affectees.
The government is unprepared for the monsoon rainfall. The situation will be worsen in Karachi when roads are dug up and projects are unfinished. The last two years shows complete chaos and breakdown of the system after the rains. Citizens should brace themselves once again and take measures to protect their homes.
