Not long ago, Gwadar’s picnic points were places of joy where families gathered by the sea. But on a recent visit, I saw how abnormally high tides and strong waves had reshaped the coast. The sea around Gwadar has been behaving unusually, with higher waves, more violent tides and severe coastal erosion.
Previously, the waves were smaller and manageable, but now they are swallowing settlements, mosques, schools and coastal areas such as Pishukan and Ganz.
This is largely the result of climate change, stronger monsoons, blocked drainage caused by development projects and weak coastal defences. These waves are not only destroying infrastructure but also threatening people’s lives. During the flooding of February 2024, nearly 180 mm of rainfall in just two days caused settlements to collapse, commercial areas to flood and hundreds of families to lose their homes. Around 450 mud houses were completely destroyed and 8,200 more were partially damaged in Gwadar city. In addition, dozens of fishing boats were swept away, leaving many without their only source of income.
This growing threat demands urgent action. To protect Gwadar, the government must build sea walls, breakwaters and embankments to guard against high waves and coastal erosion. A modern drainage system is essential, and construction in unsafe, low-lying areas should be prohibited. An early warning system must also be put in place to prepare communities for extreme weather events.
Shalli Qadeer
Turbat
