Cyclone Biparjoy and illusion of security

KARACHI:

Pakistan, in recent years, has found itself among the nations feeling the full heat of climate change. Extreme weather events, like last year’s devastating monsoon floods, recurring heatwaves, and the constant threat of cyclones have become a relentless reality for the country. Just last week, a cyclone loomed at its doorstep, a spectre of potential destruction that mercifully dissipated before wreaking havoc – a chilling reminder for the urgent need for action. Recognising this, Pakistan took a commendable lead at COP 27, championing the establishment of a 'loss and damage fund' to support developing nations facing the worst impacts of climate change.

But even as Pakistan's global role in addressing climate change deserves praise, local experts have persistently cautioned that the country's own authorities must match their words with meaningful action. They have long emphasised the need for introspection and a genuine commitment to mitigating and managing the effects of climate change.

As the cyclone threat looms over Karachi and other areas along Pakistan's coastline year after year, its vulnerable denisens continue to live with the uncertainty of impending disaster. The winds howl, the waves surge, and the citizens brace themselves for the impact of a tempest that often fails to materialise. Yet, despite this perpetual dance with danger, the administration's negligence remains unwavering, leaving the lives and well-being of its people on the precipice of an abyss.

In this precarious balance between imminent disaster and elusive respite, citizens find themselves trapped in a recurring nightmare. With each passing cyclone and monsoon season, the warnings become louder, the anxiety more palpable, and the longing for proactive measures to safeguard their lives grows stronger. Yet, year after year, the storm clouds disperse, leaving a trail of broken promises and shattered trust in their wake.

The administration's complacency in the face of this ever-present threat is a stark reminder of their disregard for the safety and security of their own citizens. As cyclones veer off course or weaken before making landfall, a false sense of security settles upon the city, allowing negligence to take root and thrive. The aftermath of each missed catastrophe becomes a missed opportunity to learn, adapt, and fortify against an unpredictable future.

The citizens of Karachi, in particular, are well-acquainted with the dangers that cyclones bring, even if they have yet to witness their full force. It is not a matter of if, but when the next storm will strike with relentless fury, testing the city's resilience to its limits. And yet, the administration remains inexplicably unmoved, as if waiting for disaster to finally descend upon them before acknowledging the urgent need for action.

In this disheartening reality, the citizens of Karachi stand as both victims and witnesses to the administration's apathy. Their pleas for preparedness and proactive measures echo through the streets, carried by the winds that ominously whisper of an uncertain future. It is a desperate cry for an administration that will prioritise their safety, investing in the resilience and well-being of the coastal communities they are sworn to protect.

Here we peel back the layers of administrative inaction, exposing the consequences of a system that fails to act until disaster strikes. Through the voices of the citizens left to fend for themselves, we shed light on the inherent dangers they face year after year, their resilience tested without reprieve. It is a tale of missed opportunities, shattered trust, and a city on the brink of a reckoning—a plea for an administration to rise to the occasion before the storm finally arrives, leaving no choice but to face the devastating aftermath.

Potential devastation

The looming threat of a cyclone reveals the glaring vulnerabilities of the infrastructure. The buildings that line the city's skyline, once symbols of progress and growth, stand as fragile sentinels ill-equipped to withstand the impending onslaught.

Amidst the anticipation, it becomes painfully clear that the structures in Karachi are ill-prepared to bear the full impact of a cyclone's wrath. The stride waves that accompany these powerful storms can pummel the coastline, mercilessly eroding the foundations of buildings not designed to withstand such forces. The city's drainage system, already strained by the weight of everyday rainfall, crumbles under the anticipated deluge of 2-2.5 meters of rain from the "Cyclone Biparjoy."

A researcher and architect Marvi Mazhar talks about the weak construction of the buildings in Karachi. She says that the type and policies of constructing buildings vary from place to place and city to city, recognising that the methods employed in Hyderabad may not be suitable for Karachi, and the construction techniques utilised in Karachi may not be applicable for seaside developments. “Here they don’t have any policy nor does anyone follow them while constructing especially near the seaside. The new societies and private companies don’t have proper documentation of the area. They don’t have base maps or the outline. They don’t know what and where to begin in situations like these. They have built tall buildings near the sea and they don’t seem to be climate or weather-resistant buildings. Why they have built it in the first place if it was not up to the mark and eventually had to get evacuated,” questioned Marvi who is currently undergoing research that focuses upon the representation and production of Karachi’s Urban Coastal Periphery, and its Ecology.

Arif Belgaumi, CEO and Principal Architect at Arif Belgaumi Architects, said, “The construction companies, owners, and contractors consistently disregard building bylaws, with no enforcement from the government. The rampant informal construction practices only exacerbate the threat to our city. These buildings are ill-equipped to withstand the powerful storm surges that bring forth the relentless force of water. It is crucial that we address this issue urgently, as the consequences of neglecting proper building standards will leave our city vulnerable and its inhabitants at risk.”

Another potential damage that a cyclone could inflict is upon Karachi's neglected and under-preserved heritage sites. These cultural treasures, already bearing the weight of time and neglect, stand particularly vulnerable in the face of nature's fury.

With each passing storm, the threat of irreversible damage to these historic landmarks grows exponentially. The strong winds and torrential rains that accompany a cyclone can ravage delicate architectural details, erode centuries-old structures, and leave behind a trail of destruction that strips away layers of cultural heritage. If the cyclone had hit the city, the heritage site would not be able to bear the impact.

“The lack of proper maintenance and preservation exacerbates the risks faced by these heritage sites. Crumbling facades, weakened foundations, and compromised structural integrity make them susceptible to collapse, jeopardising not only their physical existence but also erasing a tangible link to the city's rich past. Around 80% of the more than 800 heritage sites are not in a condition to bear the impact of these natural disasters. Only the buildings that are under government use are maintained rest are left to die,” shared Marvi who is an independent Heritage Consultant and has given many plans to preserve the heritage sites.

Beyond the immediate impact on the structures themselves, the potential loss of these heritage sites carries profound cultural and societal implications. They serve as living testimonies to the collective memory and identity of a community, providing a sense of continuity and a shared narrative.

This perfect storm of vulnerabilities poses a grave risk to the installations adorning the city's buildings. Solar panels, once hailed as a step towards sustainable energy, now become potential casualties of the tempest. The billboards that dot the cityscape, once vibrant advertisements, now transform into projectiles that threaten lives and property as they are torn from their moorings by the violent winds. Tin roofs, synonymous with the city's bustling markets and humble dwellings, become airborne, propelled by the force of the gales, turning harmless sheets of metal into dangerous projectiles.

“As we confront the looming threat of cyclones and their potential impact on solar panels scattered throughout the city, it becomes evident that our urban decisions must prioritise both the environment and climate resilience. The image of advertisement boards soaring through the air in the past serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of inadequate planning and haphazard infrastructure. We must foster a conscious approach to urban development, ensuring that renewable energy installations like solar panels are securely integrated into our cityscape. By embracing sustainable practices and implementing robust regulations, we can mitigate the risks posed by cyclones, safeguarding our environment and building a resilient future for generations to come,” said Marvi.

The administration's failures

In the never-ending cycle of anticipation and despair, the city of Karachi finds itself trapped in a vicious dance with the forces of nature. Every year, as the specter of climate change looms larger, the government is well aware of the imminent threat posed by cyclones. Karachi, being a coastal city nestled in the monsoon belt, is particularly susceptible to the wrath of these powerful storms. Yet, year after year, the administration's response remains alarmingly reactive rather than proactive.

The narrative of negligence unfolds with disheartening familiarity. As the months pass by, warnings of an impending cyclone become mere whispers in the wind, drowned out by a lack of foresight and a failure to prioritise the safety and well-being of its citizens. It is a tale of bureaucratic complacency, where the urgent calls for action are met with indifference until the threat looms ominously overhead.

“The annual arrival of cyclones may capture our attention, but it is during the monsoon season, which spans three months, that Karachi faces its greatest challenge. The city experiences multiple instances of heavy rainfall, leading to the looming threat of urban flooding. Unfortunately, the administration's disregard for proper urban planning is painfully evident, as roads and highways have been constructed on natural drainage systems. As a result, the city's drainage water-carrying capacity has significantly diminished, exacerbating the risks posed by monsoon rains. It is disheartening to witness the consequences of short-sighted decisions that prioritise short-term gains over the long-term well-being of our city and its residents,” said Arif while mentioning the firefighting measures that Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environment, Sherry Rehman has been taking.

The government's inaction throughout the year stands as a stark betrayal of its duty to protect the city's residents. Rather than implementing long-term strategies to fortify infrastructure, improve drainage systems, and invest in resilient measures, they choose to operate as mere firefighters, scrambling to contain the damage when the storm is already upon us.

"For the past 15 years, we've been hearing about global warming and its impending disasters. The steady rise in sea levels, even by mere millimeters each year, is a clear indication of the urgent challenges we face. Yet, what is the government doing to address this? As temperatures continue to climb, weather patterns grow more intense, and monsoons become increasingly severe, our ability to withstand floods weakens,” explains Arif.

“It is disheartening that while we plan for the next 25 years with the 2047 master plan, there seems to be a lack of consideration for the rising sea levels and their inevitable physical impacts within that timeframe. We need to start prioritising this issue and take action beyond just a fleeting two-month focus, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of our long-term planning efforts for the next decade and beyond to make it a safe place to live for the upcoming generation,” said Arif.

The consequences of this negligence reverberate throughout the city when the urban flooding strikes. Homes are washed away, streets transformed into raging rivers, and communities left in disarray. The familiar refrain of promises and assurances from the government rings hollow in the ears of those who suffer the brunt of the administration's failures.

According to Marvi, private construction companies are disregarding environmental concerns and exploiting coastal lines for their own profit-driven construction projects, undermining the ecological health and resilience of these invaluable natural resources.

“The urban environment is a catalyst for change, but it must be guided by ethical construction practices. The coastal line is a natural treasure that cannot be sold off, as it represents the delicate balance between nature and our environment. Unfortunately, the real estate industry has exerted its influence, disrupting this equilibrium. The pursuit of a consumer-driven lifestyle has transformed our cities into centers of materialism and profit. It is essential to reclaim our values and prioritise sustainable development that respects and preserves the natural world, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between urbanisation and environmental integrity,” said Marvi while criticising the private projects that are built just by the sea.

She added that in the face of rampant development, it is disheartening to witness the Emaar project, situated precariously by the sea, and the haphazard excavation left behind by DHA. These instances reflect a concerning lack of foresight and environmental responsibility, as both private companies and governing bodies prioritise short-term gains over the long-term sustainability of our coastal areas. “It is imperative that we hold these entities accountable and advocate for ethical practices that prioritise the preservation and protection of our natural heritage,” said Marvi while praising the efforts being made by the Sindh government in taking preventive measures for the Cyclone.

It is crucial to acknowledge that these private companies are granted permission by the government to proceed with construction on these sensitive sites. Exploiting the loopholes in weak and inadequate policies and building bylaws, these companies take advantage of the regulatory gaps to further their own interests, disregarding the long-term environmental consequences.

The affected

When storms and floods wreak havoc on coastal cities like Karachi, the consequences are far-reaching, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. The people who bear the brunt of these natural disasters find themselves facing unimaginable hardships and are often forced to leave their homes behind.

The immediate impact is the loss of shelter and displacement. Entire neighborhoods become submerged, houses are destroyed, and families are uprooted from the places they once called home. The trauma of losing their safe havens is compounded by the struggle to find temporary shelter, putting immense strain on already vulnerable populations.

Economic repercussions also take a heavy toll. Livelihoods are shattered as businesses, farms, and fishing communities suffer severe damage or are completely washed away. The loss of income and assets plunges individuals and families into poverty, deepening the cycle of vulnerability.

A boat maker and a resident at the Keti Bandar, Abdul Ghani said, "I cannot leave my house unguarded. There is a constant fear of theft, as intruders gain access through the riverside. If someone were to break in and take away our belongings, what assistance can we expect from the government?”

“In case of an emergency, we have a motorcycle that might help us escape, but our lives would ultimately be in the hands of fate. We can only hope to make it to safety. The government often mentions that there is a threats, but we rarely see concrete actions being taken,” said Ghani.

Over 8,100 people in the coastal areas of Pakistan are living with the looming uncertainty of their future. Another resident of Keti Bandar and owner of the fishing boat Mohammed Salim remembering the 1999 cyclone, shared, “Life in the fishing community revolves around the sea. If we abandon our boats now, they will be lost, and with them, our livelihoods. We cannot forget the devastating cyclone of 1999, which wiped out entire generations of families. The present situation is no different; in fact, it may even be worse. This storm poses immense danger, and we must take all possible measures to protect ourselves and our boats.”

Ghani added that the losses suffered in 1999 were catastrophic, with many lives lost. “The water levels were so high that boats were stranded above the trees. We cannot afford to underestimate the severity of the current threat and must do everything in our power to ensure our safety and preserve what little we have,” he added.

In the face of such adversity, communities display incredible resilience, coming together to support one another and rebuild their lives. However, without adequate support and effective preventive measures from the government, the cycle of displacement and loss continues to repeat, further deepening the suffering of those already marginalised.

The consequences extend beyond mere physical displacement. Communities are torn apart, as people are separated from their neighbors and support networks. Disrupted access to essential services such as healthcare, clean water, and education further exacerbates the challenges faced by those affected.

It is crucial that policymakers prioritise the needs of those affected by storms and floods, implementing comprehensive strategies that focus on disaster preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and social safety nets. By addressing the root causes and providing sustainable solutions, we can minimise the consequences faced by communities, allowing them to recover and rebuild their lives with dignity and stability.

Essential precautionary measures

In the face of this imminent threat, it is imperative for the administration to recognise the urgency of preserving and safeguarding these heritage sites. Adequate funding, specialised conservation efforts, and proactive measures must be implemented to ensure their resilience against the destructive forces of cyclones and the passage of time.

The clock is ticking, and the fate of Karachi's neglected heritage sites hangs in the balance. It is a race against time to reverse years of neglect and adopt a proactive approach to protect these invaluable cultural treasures. Only through concerted efforts can we hope to shield these sites from the devastating impact of cyclones and secure a lasting legacy for future generations.

The potential damage that a cyclone can inflict upon Karachi's infrastructure is a stark reminder of the need for urgent action. It highlights the critical importance of fortifying buildings, improving drainage systems, and implementing strict regulations for installations that adorn rooftops and facades. Without these measures, the city teeters on the edge of disaster, and its residents face untold risks.

In this critical juncture, it is imperative for the administration to prioritise the safety and well-being of the city's inhabitants. Investments in resilient infrastructure, enhanced disaster preparedness, and proactive measures to mitigate potential damage are no longer options but necessities.

It must confront the harsh reality of its vulnerable infrastructure, acknowledge the potential devastation that awaits, and take swift and decisive action to ensure a safer future. Only then can it weather the storm and emerge stronger, ready to face whatever challenges nature may bring.

The Chronicles of Negligence must serve as a call to action, demanding a fundamental shift in the approach to governance. It is imperative that the administration breaks free from the shackles of short-sightedness and embraces a proactive stance, investing in preemptive measures, and championing resilience in the face of an uncertain future.

Marvi Mazhar emphasises the need to follow Sri Lanka's example by integrating preventive measures into the education system, emphasising that a comprehensive rule book should be included to educate individuals on how to respond and protect themselves in the face of potential disasters.

"Taking a cue from Sri Lanka's proactive approach in educating its citizens about tsunamis, we must recognise the importance of integrating preventive measures into our education system. Just as they understand that tsunamis will recur, we should prioritise equipping everyone with the knowledge and skills to effectively respond to potential disasters. The education system should include a comprehensive rule book that teaches individuals how to protect themselves and take appropriate action. By embedding these critical lessons in our educational curriculum, we can empower future generations to be resilient and proactive in the face of impending threats,” said Marvi.

Only through a concerted effort to prioritise the city's safety and well-being, not just in times of crisis but throughout the year, can Karachi emerge from the shadows of neglect and embrace a future where the devastation wrought by cyclones is no longer a recurring nightmare. The time to act is now, before the next chapter in the Chronicles of Negligence repeats itself with dire consequences.