Catastrophic monsoon floods in Pakistan worsened by climate change, research reveals
Pakistan has been grappling with a series of floods in recent weeks, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. According to a report by the World Weather Attribution (WWA), the heavy rainfall that triggered these floods was 10% to 15% heavier due to climate change. This is not surprising, as climate scientists have long maintained that a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, which can make rain more intense.
The devastation has been particularly severe in rural areas, where many homes are makeshift and located in flood-prone areas. For instance, a businessman named Saqib Hassan lost his home, 18 relatives' homes, and his dairy farms due to flooding on July 22. He suffered heavy losses, likely amounting to 100 million rupees ($360,000), due to the loss of his farm animals.
Experts have emphasised the need for immediate action to build flood-resilient houses and avoid construction in flood zones. Key measures include avoiding construction in flood-prone areas, building flood-resistant houses using stronger, more resilient materials and designs, community-driven reconstruction with technical support, enforcing zoning regulations and building codes, and implementing innovative tools for monitoring and accountability during rebuilding.
Community participation is essential in these efforts. For instance, recent government efforts in Pakistan have completed thousands of flood-resistant homes with active community involvement and financing linked to resilient construction practices. National disaster authorities also emphasise early warning and proactive disaster management as part of the broader strategy.
The United Nations has warned that global funds set up to deal with loss and damages because of climate change or funds set up to adapt to climate change are falling short of the amounts needed to help countries like Pakistan. The Pakistani government has taken steps to help the affected families, providing food rations worth 50,000 rupees ($177) and seven tents for temporary shelter.
Despite the challenges, there is hope. Innovative solutions such as creating drainage infrastructure and sustainable urban drainage solutions, and constructing engineered barriers like levees, flood walls, and dams, can help manage stormwater runoff and control water flow in flood plains. These recommendations, reinforced by the WWA study, are crucial for Pakistan to enhance its overall flood resilience.
References:
- World Weather Attribution
- Climate Central
- The Third Pole
- Al Jazeera
- Reuters
- The world is witnessing an increasing number of climate-change-induced disasters, as exemplified by the recent floods in Asia, particularly Pakistan.
- Environmental scientists have stressed theimportance of policy-and-legislation changes that incorporate flood-resilient infrastructure,such as constructing flood-resistant houses and avoiding construction in flood zones.
- In the wake of these disasters, the role ofpolitics and general-news media in raising awareness about climate change and promoting effective climate policies becomes even more critical.
- To address the financial burdens of climate change victims, the world community must ensure adequate funding for global funds aimed at helping countries adapt to and recover from climate-related loss and damage.
