Floods in Balochistan

The tragedy in Khuzdar district of Balochistan was impossible to predict and at least 14 people are dead and another six missing as of June 4. It was caused by heavy rainfall in the mountains near Shah Noorani that then triggered flash floods and the subsequent destruction and loss of life. Such meteorological events are not always reliably predictable and they can strike anywhere and anytime in a world where weather patterns are changing.

As ever there are complaints that the provincial and federal governments are not doing enough or responding sufficiently quickly; but there is a rescue team already working along with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and relief operations are underway. Up to 200 tents have been provided as well as food and a control room set up reportedly with the chief minister directing the efforts — which may or may not be a good idea as these things are best left to disaster professionals rather than career politicians. Viewed objectively, this is a prompt and appropriate response — but if your house has been swept away and your relatives are dead or disappeared, you may not be in the best position to evaluate the quality of the work of those engaged in relief.

Emergency and disaster responses are never quick enough for those affected. There was severe criticism of the Nepalese government in the wake of the recent earthquakes at its laggardly response, and it is true that cumbersome bureaucratic procedures hindered the aid effort — but in reality, the Nepalese government was overwhelmed. On a far smaller scale, so was the administration of Khuzdar district. We are quick to be robustly critical of government agencies in these columns as appropriate, but in this instance, it is inappropriate to rush to judgment. This is a complex emergency in a difficult terrain and important infrastructure — like roads — has been destroyed or badly damaged. The monsoon season is fast approaching and such events are going to happen again, possibly several times. Let this unhappy event serve as the ‘be alert’ call to local emergency services nationwide.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6^th,  2015.

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