KARACHI:
On 28 July, the news of flash flooding in Islamabad made headlines nationwide. The cataclysmic townscape, revealed through videos and pictures online, spawned considerable apprehension among the citizens since the capital city has never experienced such a disaster ever before. The relevant authorities have been urged to take measures to address social and environmental issues, but to no adequate response. The videos that surfaced on social media showed cars sweeping away, while houses and commercial buildings were submerged in rainwater. The situation was exacerbated by the death of two civilians in their basement of their house after authorities failed to reach them on time.
While the authorities were quick to put the blame on rising temperatures and unpredictable wind patterns, the meteorological department had long warned that the country was insufficiently geared to face the menace of monsoon spells. Nevertheless, the institutions illustrated a slapdash attitude. It was the inability to take advanced precautionary measures and renovate the disintegrating infrastructure beforehand that caused this destruction to unfold. Regardless, the speedy action of the DC Islamabad and his management to assuage the situation is laudable. By night, the Sanitation Directorate had cleared up the water with the help of tractors and drain cleaners. Simultaneously, Wapda sorted out the electricity failure.
To avoid further calamities in the upcoming monsoon days, the government must take speedy action to rectify former shortcomings. The need of the hour is for the government to set up a disaster management committee comprising professionals in order to forge an efficient strategy and policy. Disaster relief operations must be allocated with proper staff, equipment, and funds to mitigate such disasters. The rescue and relief operations must be strengthened with upgraded telemetry, early warning systems, and aviation to speed up early evacuation. As stated by DC Hamza Shafqat, at best, it is safe to restrict unnecessary movement during a high alert deluge.
Soha Nisar
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, August 4th, 2021.
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