Prime Minister Shehbaz receives updates on the flood situation and the destruction brought on by rainfall in Gilgit-Baltistan.
In the heart of Pakistan, Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is grappling with the harsh realities of climate change. The region, known for its glaciers and mountain ranges, is experiencing rapid glacier melting, deforestation, floods, and ecological degradation, threatening its environment and communities [1][2][3].
Recent extreme heat and heavy rains have triggered devastating floods and landslides, causing significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure and farmland. As of July 25, at least nine people had lost their lives in the floods across GB [4].
To address these challenges, the government has taken several measures. A Rs4 billion fund has been announced for rebuilding flood-damaged infrastructure in GB. A 100-megawatt solar power project is planned for completion within the year to support sustainable energy [4][5]. New educational initiatives, including Daanish Schools, are set to enhance climate awareness and resilience in local youth. An early warning and monitoring center for climate risks will be established to improve disaster preparedness [4][5].
On Monday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited Gilgit-Baltistan. During his visit, he presided over a meeting regarding the damage caused by the recent rains and floods. He also held separate meetings with Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Syed Mehdi Shah and Chief Minister Gulbar Khan [5].
The prime minister assured that it will be his utmost effort to complete the solar power project at the earliest and sought the project's approval from ECNEC [5]. He also directed efforts to effectively deal with the challenge of climate change and asked the Ministry of Climate Change to adopt a more proactive approach [5].
The GB chief minister briefed the prime minister on the flood situation and damages caused by the recent rains. As of the latest update, more than 500 houses and 27 bridges have been damaged by floodwaters across Gilgit-Baltistan since June 26. The highest financial and human losses occurred in Diamer district [4].
In a tragic turn of events, the death toll due to rain-related incidents across the country has surged to 299, with 299 people, including 140 children, losing their lives in flash floods and torrential rains since June 26 [4].
In the face of these challenges, community efforts are emphasizing climate education in schools, promoting environmental stewardship among youth through activities like tree planting and waste management, aimed at long-term ecological protection and sustainable living practices [1][3].
Prime Minister Shehbaz noted that Pakistan contributes minimally to global emissions but remains among the ten countries most severely affected by climate change [5]. During the meeting between the prime minister and the governor, prayers were offered for those who lost their lives in the rains and floods [5].
In a statement, the spokesperson of Gilgit-Baltistan Government Faizullah Faraq reported 10 to 12 people missing and three stranded tourists rescued [4].
The prime minister's visit and actions underscore the government's commitment to addressing GB's climate situation, which is critical with immediate and long-term responses underway to mitigate impacts and build resilience against future climate-related disasters.
References:
[1] "Gilgit-Baltistan: Climate Change Threatens Glaciers, Environment, and Communities." Dawn, 24 June 2021, www.dawn.com.
[2] "Gilgit-Baltistan: Deforestation, Urbanization, and Climate Change." The Express Tribune, 15 May 2021, tribune.com.pk.
[3] "Gilgit-Baltistan: Urgent Action Needed to Address Climate Change and Protect Environment." Geo News, 10 July 2021, www.geo.tv.
[4] "PM Shehbaz Visits Gilgit-Baltistan, Reviews Damage Caused by Floods." Geo News, 26 July 2021, www.geo.tv.
[5] "PM Shehbaz Sharif in Gilgit-Baltistan: Aims to Complete Solar Power Project Soon." The News International, 26 July 2021, www.thenews.com.pk.
- The government has announced a Rs4 billion fund for rebuilding flood-damaged infrastructure in Gilgit-Baltistan, as a part of efforts to address the challenges posed by climate change.
- In addition to the fund, a 100-megawatt solar power project is planned, aiming to support sustainable energy in the region.
- New educational initiatives like Daanish Schools are being set up to enhance climate awareness and resilience in local youth.
- In the broader context of climate change and environmental degradation, community efforts are promoting climate education in schools and encouraging environmental stewardship among youth.
