EVERY year, without fail, one of the major cities in the country falls victim to the devastating impact of monsoon rains. Last year we suffered huge flooding from north to south but this year was Lahore’s turn. The recent heavy rainfall in Lahore resulted in the city undergoing a transformation as the streets and neighbourhoods turned into temporary rivers. More than a dozen people lost their lives, as record-breaking heavy rain pummelled Lahore in recent days. This all triggered a massive urban flooding and collapsing of the Punjab capital’s infrastructure. A catastrophic 291 millimetres of rain in over nine hours flabbergasted everyone, turning the city into a vast lake. The MET office said the rain was the heaviest in Lahore in the past 30 years.
I believe we are breaking records every year, sometimes for increasing temperature and sometimes for receiving rains. Each passing year seems to bring new records in terms of extreme weather patterns in Pakistan. From soaring temperatures to unprecedented rainfall, the country has been witnessing a series of climatic events that push the boundaries of what was once considered normal. Managing urban flooding in Pakistan requires a comprehensive approach that involves various stakeholders and focuses on preventive measures, infrastructure development, and effective disaster management. Here are some strategies that can help Pakistan manage urban flooding:
The country needs to improve Urban Planning practices to account for proper drainage systems, flood-prone areas and sustainable development. Implement zoning regulations that restrict construction in high-risk zones and prioritize green spaces to absorb excess rainwater. Our investment in the construction and maintenance of efficient and well-designed drainage systems is quite low, we need to start preparing before the Monsoon spell. This includes the development of storm water drains, retention ponds and floodwater storage areas to divert and manage excess water during heavy rainfall. Implement watershed management programs to preserve natural water channels, prevent encroachments and restore natural drainage patterns. This includes reforestation efforts, soil conservation and promoting responsible land use practices in catchment areas.
Over the years, it has become evident that the country is experiencing the adverse effects of climate change across various aspects. Construct infrastructure that is resilient to flooding, such as elevated roads, bridges and buildings as well as permeable pavements that allow water infiltration. Incorporate green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and rooftop gardens, to absorb and store rainwater. Another issue is the poor warning system, Pakistan necessitates enhancing and expanding early warning systems that provide timely and accurate information about impending rainfall and potential flood risks. These systems should be accessible to both authorities and the public to facilitate evacuation and preparedness measures.
Governments and institutions should come together to raise public awareness and education which need to conduct extensive campaigns to educate citizens about the risks of urban flooding and the necessary precautions to take. Promote responsible waste disposal practices to prevent the clogging of drainage systems and water channels. Strengthen the capacity of government agencies responsible for flood management by providing training, resources and technology. Enhance coordination between relevant departments and encourage research and development initiatives in flood management. Unfortunately, our communities are getting weaker due to ineffective approaches. We don’t have local bodies to deal with such kinds of issues. We have to encourage citizen participation, especially youth, establish community-based early warning systems and promote community-led initiatives for drainage maintenance and flood preparedness.
Pakistan should seek collaboration with international organizations, experts and neighbouring countries to share knowledge, best practices and technical expertise in urban flood management. Explore opportunities for financial and technical assistance to support infrastructure development and capacity building efforts. In the end, the government should take scientific measures to support research and development initiatives aimed at improving flood forecasting models, early warning systems and disaster preparedness strategies. This enables evidence-based decision-making and more efficient response mechanisms. By adopting a holistic and proactive approach that combines preventive measures, infrastructure development and community engagement, Pakistan can effectively manage urban flooding and mitigate its devastating impacts on cities and communities. Confronting the challenge of climate change or urban flooding cannot be solely shouldered by the government; citizens must also act responsibly and make wise choices.
—The writer is journalist and doing research on fake news in South Asia
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