I recently visited Lakhra Tehsil of District Lasbela in Balochistan, and was astonished to see the devastation caused by the 2022 floods. The disaster had a crippling impact on the area, destroying homes, businesses and infrastructure, including highways, resulting in accidents and displacement.
The aftermath of the floods has left the community struggling with healthcare, education and critical services due to damaged infrastructure. The economic impact has been severe, affecting the livelihoods of many individuals, particularly in the agriculture sector, which is the backbone of the local economy. I witnessed the remnants of the devastation firsthand. The roads, now cracked and filled with broken asphalt and mud, served as a stark reminder of the state’s neglect. The storm may have passed, but the devastation remains.
Establishing an early warning system, calamity awareness, agricultural restoration projects and flood-tolerant crops can help mitigate the effects of any future floods. Preparedness training can also help update the lifestyle of the affected communities. It is disappointing to note that the local authorities seem unaware of the problems faced by the people.
The provincial government must introduce reforms to address the immediate needs of the people. The political powers must take responsibility for coordinating flood damage, rebuilding residences and repairing roadways to enable the residents of Lakhra to live a dignified lifestyle.
Yusra Amin Gongow
Lakhra
