Monsoon Fears.

During monsoon season each year, Pakistan witnesses familiar scenes of mayhem across urban centres due to poor preparation with regards to drainage systems, the early warning mechanism and ritually overwhelmed local administration. The National Disaster Management Authority has warned about flooding, landslides and glacier outbursts as well as an uptick in the locust invasion during heavy rains. The relevant authorities should survey rain drainage systems across the country to check if they are clean and will fulfil their purpose adequately. Then there is the issue of electric wires that threaten citizens and often result in avoidable loss of life.

Old buildings in poor conditions also pose a threat as they may collapse. The phenomenon is especially common in old city areas. Building corporations therefore should review their status. If deemed necessary, they should withdraw safety certificates and relocate inhabitants to safer locations. The routine blame game between the PPP and the MQM should not be repeated this year. The yearly spectacle of the perpetually pleading Karachi mayor pointing fingers at the apathetic PPP provincial government for flooding in Karachi makes for great...

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