Ijaz Kakakhel Islamabad
A legislative body of upper house of parliament on Thursday was informed that the total of 1,412 persons have lost their lives, around 1,749,532 houses have partially or completely damaged and estimated 771,141 livestock have washed away in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, GB and KPK in the unprecedented flood. The revelation was made during the meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change, which was held today at Parliament House while Senator Seemee Ezdi was on chair.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) about total damage caused by recent flood and funds and assistance received by Government of Pakistan from international community for the flood affected areas. The NDMA officials told the committee that as of 11 September 2022 these evaluations were made. They further added that Rs.3.3 billion donation has received in PM Flood Relief Fund and as far as contribution received from International Community is concerned, the matter comes under the ambit of Economic Affairs Division and NDMA fail to shed light on it.
Senator Taj Haider was of opinion that climate change is a major issue for the country and construction of check dams, revival of natural water ways is necessary to lessen the disastrous effects of the floods. The meeting commenced with discussion on the steps taken by Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF-II) project in reducing flood risks and prevents casualties resulting from it. Officials of GLOF-II project apprised the committee that they geographically operates in 10 districts of Gilgit Baltistan, eight districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and their primary work includes warning to locals regarding floods, creation of community based disaster risk management centres and safe heavens, conduct awareness session for locals, creation and maintenance of gabion walls and irrigation channels for the reduction of the floods damages.
Procurement of early warning system is in process which will provides exact data about floods and will be helpful in preventing the loss of life and property in the Northern areas, they added. The committee appreciated their work and assured full support to them. Ministry of Climate Change also briefed the committee about National Hazardous and Waste Management Policy.
