FLOODS triggered by heavy monsoon rains have wreaked havoc in different parts of the country, especially Balochistan.
Most unfortunate is that the calamity got little space both in media and political discourse. It so happened that those in dire need of attention are neglected as country is in the grip of political instability and uncertainty.
The images that emerged from the visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Balochistan on Saturday have brought to the fore large scale damaged caused by floods in the province.
Apart from fatalities of three hundred including one hundred and twenty four in Balochistan, the foods have destroyed houses and livelihoods of the affected people.
A comprehensive approach is required to help these people rebuild their lives. PM Shehbaz Sharif assured flood ravaged people of all possible help and cooperation in their rescue and rehabilitation and that his government will not leave them alone in these challenging times.
He announced one million rupees compensation for heirs of those who lost their lives in the floods. Rs0.5 million would be provided to those whose houses have been damaged completely and Rs0.2 million to those whose houses got partially damaged.
Firstly it must be ensured that affected families get ration and medical facilities at their makeshift places.
Then as floods subside, it must be ensured that compensation announced by the PM also reaches pockets of affected families in a transparent manner.
Often compensation is made in such situations yet it reaches only few households while others are left high and dry.
We will suggest the PM to personally monitor disbursement of the compensation amount, as any negligence will further aggravate sense of deprivation in Baloch people.
Simultaneously, necessary infrastructure damaged by the floods should also be reconstructed on fast track basis.
Recent rains are yet another manifestation of how our country has become vulnerable to climate change.
In view of this we need to pursue climate resilient development schemes that should offer wide ranging support to address climate vulnerability and variability by strengthening institutions and systems and investing in priority infrastructure in rural and urban areas.
