Monsoon 2022 and its Destruction in Balochistan

Heavy Rains were predicted way before the onset of the monsoon and Pak Met already declared that this year the spell would be heavier.

Pak Met can only predict and inform the respective stakeholders about possible time, place and somewhat volume of the rain. It is the rest of government and non government institutions who are responsible to take appropriate steps.

The landscape of Balochistan and its seasonal rivers, streams and drains make it difficult to reach every corner but there are certain areas which are hit by riverine flood or flash floods every year almost and unfortunately the preparedness and mitigation activities are below par.

Keeping in view my own experience in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Disaster Management and Mitigation, I am of the opinion that the activities / steps to reduce the risk of disaster in Balochistan are sadly not up to the mark at government and non government level as well. (If any one needs detailed discussion, I am available.)

What to do now?

As per Disaster Management principles, Emergency Response is the first priority now. But emergency response must not be at EASY TO APPROACH Areas only.

The government and civil society must move swiftly to save vulnerable life of people and livestock also. For this purpose the Federal and Provincial Governments must facilitate NGOs and to step in as faster as possible.

1- The government must facilitate already registered NGOs to start relief and recovery operations and for this purpose institutional facilitation must be provided.

2. The PDMA must come forward and activate cluster approach to expedite the emergency response and coordinated approach as the Sindh PDMA did during 2010 & 2011 flood.

3. If an organization is already registered under any law of Pakistan, follows the appropriate protocols and procedures, it must be exempted from wasting time in corridors Charity commission and EAD.

4. The local governments must facilitate Need assessment as soon as possible and provide appropriate facilitation and security to those who plan to start emergency response.

5. After Emergency Response, the DRR Mechanism must be initiated keeping in view the Disaster Cycle so that same things don't happen NEXT YEAR.

Lyallpuria