Formulating a flood control mechanism.

Byline: Dr Muhammad Khan

Flash floods in Pakistan have become an annual phenomenon which causes huge losses to human life, damage to property and infrastructure, besides causing destruction to crops and livestock at massive scale.

Indeed, Pakistan has a long history of the recurring floods and its consequent damages. The only escape, the successive governments present to alleviate the anxieties of the masses has been that, 'this year floods have been caused by unusually high and intense rain-falls, which has never happened in the past'.

After few high level visits to flood affected areas and questionable distribution of rations and death compensations, the matter is closed until another occurrence.

Both, the government and the people forget the damages, caused by floods and more importantly, what essential actions to follow to avoid future losses as a result of flash floods.

The flash flood-2022 has caused huge loses in almost all parts of Pakistan. The province of Balochistan has been worst affected by heavy and intense rain-falls.

As per the estimates of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), over 550 people lost their lives in various parts of the country due to flood in last one month.

More than 46,200 houses have been damaged, dozens of bridges have demolished and thousands of kilometres of roads have been damaged.

Besides thousands of acres of land and standing crops have been damaged in the so for estimates.

As per NDMA, Pak Army and government agencies have set up aid and relief camps in flood-hit areas and providing facilities to affected people including their relocation at safe places.

Prime Shahbaz Sharif also stated that, 'We're doing our best to provide for extensive relief and rehabilitation of flood victims.

' The Chief Minister of Balochistan, Mr Abdul Qudoos Bezenjo however has said that, Balochistan needs more funds for the rehabilitation and relief thus, appealed to international organizations for assistance.

He said, 'Our losses are massive' and there are severe food shortages in every district hit by the flooding.

More than 700 kilometres of roads have been washed away, causing disconnection between various parts of the province.

Compared to other flood affected areas, Balochistan needs 'huge assistance' which must be provided by Federal Government, rather asking international aid agencies and NGOs.

Like past practices, these visits and relief operations would end in next few days with the provisions of relief...