Waters Overflow: Examining the Scientific and Political Blunders Impeding Swat's Flood Resilience
In the picturesque mountain valley of Swat, Pakistan, a growing concern looms over the bustling bazaar hubs - the threat of floods. Over the years, the construction of hotels, restaurants, and houses on the banks of the Swat River, in defiance of planning regulations, has turned these structures into potential dams that can cause instantaneous floods.
The 2025 floods were a stark reminder of this danger, as over 42 homes collapsed, and the death toll reached 300. Climate scientists attribute this increase in flood intensity to human-caused warming of the atmosphere, which is causing summers to warm and glaciers to melt at an accelerated rate. With nearly 7,200 glaciers in Pakistan feeding the rivers, the risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) is a real and present danger.
Hadia Rashid, a BS (Hons.) student of Applied Microbiology at UVAS Lahore, is passionate about science communication and bridging the gap between research, the environment, and society. She advocates for the implementation of measures such as real-time hydrology, annual evacuations, and the enforcement of no-build zones to mitigate flood risks in Swat.
The Netherlands' River redesign project, known as Room for the River, offers a potential solution. This project includes floodplain redesign, dike relocation, and relief channel construction. Mountain valleys like Swat can replicate these concepts with setback embankments, sacrificial parks, and debris basins.
Since 2025, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued heavy rain and GLOF warnings for valley residents. However, many were not warned in time due to limited communication infrastructure and difficulties in reaching remote communities. To address this issue, Hadia Rashid writes to raise awareness and advocate for the improvement of communication systems in Swat.
The floods in Pakistan began in 2010, claiming almost 2,000 lives and affecting over 20 million people. In 2022, a century-level monsoon caused $30-40 billion in damages and affected 33 million people. It is clear that urgent action is needed to protect the people of Swat from the devastating effects of floods.
Articles of interest include "Swat Flood Tragedy: A Wake-Up Call on Climate Change, not a Headline to Forget". For more information on Hadia Rashid's work, visit her website at www.our website. Together, we can work towards a safer and more resilient Swat.
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