Regular floods are undoubtedly being caused by climate change
TURBAT: It seems as if the authorities concerned lack awareness about their duties. Every year a number of natural disasters occur all over Pakistan that drastically affects the lives of people. It is heartbreaking to see the news of at least 22 people, including two soldiers, swept away by a flash flood caused by heavy rains in the Neelum Valley district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, on Sunday night.
According to this newspaper, the flood has destroyed around 150 houses, 40 shops, 3 mosques, a basic health unit, along with a number of vehicles. Moreover, the number of casualties might increase since the condition of most of the injured is very critical.
More importantly, we lack all those facilities that would protect us from natural disasters, such as dams and barrages, which are essential to prevent such flooding. Unfortunately, the government and other authorities have turned a blind eye to this massive concern. It is of paramount importance for the authorities to look into this issue as the safety of citizens should be their primary concern.
Apart from this, it is the job of the government to support and assist, in any way possible, those that have already been affected and the families of those that have gone missing. Basic necessities should be provided to them as soon as possible along with a reallocation scheme for those that have been displaced.
I would like to request the government to assist those affected by the flood and their families. Regular floods are undoubtedly being caused by climate change. It is a global phenomenon and needs united action. No one country alone can control climate change.
Dildar Ghani
Published in The Express Tribune, July 18th, 2019.
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