KANDHKOT:
The occurrence of natural or man-made catastrophes triggers insurmountable consequences for the lower- and middle-class people of Pakistan. The recent monsoon season and the resulting deluge have wrecked irreversible damage to major parts of the country. Houses were washed away, people were displaced and infrastructure was destroyed. The floods broke all previous records as unprecedented rains lashed the country.
The lives of women and children in particular are at grave risk since they are living in deplorable conditions and experiencing severe malnutrition along with waterborne diseases. In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed a surge in natural disasters. But our politicians, who proclaim to be protectors of the masses, have never taken any practical or pragmatic measures to combat the forthcoming challenges. The 2010 floods are still imprinted in the minds of those who had experienced the horrendous and fatal consequences of it. Nearly 1,700 lives were lost and an enormous amount of infrastructure was reduced to rubble. It has been estimated that the recent flood event has caused unfathomable destruction to livestock and livelihood, severely deteriorating the social fabric and economy of the country.
In the long run, we need to start thinking about protecting our lands and our people. Strategies and policies must be in place to rebuild affected parts of the country and ensure resilience. Simultaneously, the government must also look after flood-affected communities and ensure full financial and medical support in such unforeseen circumstances.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 7th, 2022.
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