The Situational Disaster of Floods in Pakistan
The torrential downpour in July 2012 and floods have ravaged Pakistan to the extent that more than 20 million people have been directly affected, out of which 11 million have been displaced from their homes. Moreover, more than 1000 people have died and approximately $10 billion of damage has been caused to residential areas and infrastructure including roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, businesses and so on.
Natural Disasters in Pakistan
Pakistan is a country located in southern Asia. The region that now constitutes Pakistan has seen human habitation for millennia. The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the oldest civilizations in the world, flourished here between the 23rd and 18th centuries BCE. Geographically, Pakistan is very diverse, with forests, mountains, and deserts all present within its borders. Unfortunately, this diversity also means that the country is prone to natural disasters. Among these are earthquakes, tsunamis, heat waves, landslides, monsoons (both cyclones and floods), sandstorms (haboobs), wildfires (forest fires), droughts, flash floods, avalanches and more. One such event occurred when torrential monsoon rains hit the country on July 28th 2010; flooding occurred in various parts of the country including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province which was worst affected by the disaster. With an estimated death toll of 2200 people it's considered to be one of the deadliest natural disasters ever recorded in Pakistan's history. More than half of those killed were children under 14 years old. The rainwaters were so high they reached up to two-story houses while causing destruction and devastation throughout the region; many villages were submerged beneath water with entire crops lost due to excessive rainfall during the season, thus reducing chances for any type of economic stability. Families who could afford some form of transportation fled their homes before returning only to find them decimated after months without food or shelter waiting out the flood waters. Houses were not spared from destruction either as livestock died along with poultry that had been raised at home as well as family pets like dogs and cats. Still others found themselves unable to return to their homes because bridges had collapsed into the flood waters. Many survivors remained homeless following the disaster, having lost everything they owned, including livestock and personal items like bedding, clothing and furniture. And even though it's been four years since the disaster took place there have still been no improvements made towards rebuilding lives back up again. Aid organizations have gone bankrupt or barely have enough money left over to help rebuild communities that have suffered damages due to another recent flood in 2013. So far almost $18 million USD has been donated but just $1 million USD went towards assisting those who survived the 2010 flood catastrophe. This makes for a mere 4% of the total donations, and with an increase in the number of reported deaths to 3500 it is clear that relief efforts have been inadequate. As time has passed, many victims have begun to succumb to secondary problems caused by the disaster such as mental illnesses and PTSD. Now, with record breaking levels of rainfall yet again wreaking havoc in Pakistan, officials fear that what's already happened will happen again. Communities living near mountainous regions are advised to evacuate as soon as possible in order to avoid suffering losses similar to what has already happened before. The Pakistani government has called for international assistance; asking for relief aid and supplies from other countries across the globe. The floods have already caused a drastic rise in prices of essential goods, which has had a devastating effect on the economy. This is especially true for families who live below the poverty line and don't have much to begin with. The floods are further increasing the difficulties that such families face in obtaining basic necessities like food and clean drinking water. Lack of access to clean drinking water has been shown to cause a plethora of health problems, including those affecting the digestive system, skin diseases, respiratory ailments, diarrhea and many more that can lead to life-threatening conditions if not treated. Poverty is already rampant in Pakistan; a country where 36% of the population live below the poverty line according to UNICEF data from 2011/2012.
Climate Change Impacting Storms, Floods, Hurricanes and Heat Waves
Climate change is not only impacting floods, but also storms, hurricanes and heat waves. The changing climate is making these natural disasters more frequent and more intense. For example, Hurricane Katrina was the costliest natural disaster in US history, and scientists believe that climate change played a role in making it so destructive. As our planet continues to warm, we can expect more extreme weather events that will cause damage to infrastructure, homes and lives. When Hurricane Sandy hit, for example, there were over $75 billion in damages. And global warming has already led to more heavy downpours than we would have seen just decades ago. That’s because higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels like coal and oil cause water vapor to build up more readily when they cool through condensation. So, while flooding may seem like an unpredictable event that just happens without warning, it’s actually worsening as a result of man-made actions. Although it's often impossible to pinpoint one specific storm or flood as being caused by human-induced climate change, we know that rising sea levels (a direct result of global warming) are contributing heavily to the frequency and severity of coastal flooding. In fact, studies show that increased coastal flooding due to rising sea levels has doubled since 1950 along America's Eastern Seaboard and is expected to continue this increase over time. Scientists warn us now more than ever before about the long term effects human activity is having on Earth's systems, which means each person should take their part in reducing their carbon footprint today if they want their children’s future generations able to enjoy a healthy world with clean air and plentiful resources. What is the Situation of Floods In Pakistan
Recent monsoon rains caused disastrous flooding across much of southern Asia. Millions of people in India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan are still waiting for help. Many cities are completely submerged under water and many others have been cut off from food supplies, power and communications lines. Areas at risk include Chennai, where an entire airport terminal collapsed into a lagoon; Kolkata; Bangalore; New Delhi; Ahmedabad; Karachi; Lahore; Dhaka; Kathmandu and Islamabad. Around 20 million people have been affected by this disaster - including 5 million children who need urgent help with health care, sanitation and protection against disease outbreaks. Families have lost their homes, crops and livestock. People have died, women and girls have been sexually assaulted and young girls' education has been interrupted.
To combat the situation of flooding in Pakistan, the government is taking measures to tackle the problem head on. They're providing shelter and medical assistance to those displaced by the flooding, helping to restore power supply, repairing communication networks and providing emergency supplies. But as climate change worsens, it will be increasingly difficult to keep up with the situation of flooding in Pakistan. Some experts predict that the consequences of climate change will mean a quarter of the population in Pakistan could be living below the poverty line by 2020. A few months ago, a report by Oxfam International predicted that climate change could lead to more than 100 million people living in coastal areas being exposed to flooding by 2030. If this is true, then it is vital that we act quickly and put a stop to climate change. Not just for Pakistan, but for the whole world. The Pakistan floods are a dramatic example of the situation of flooding in Pakistan. It's an opportunity to look at how climate change is not only impacting floods, but also storms, hurricanes and heat waves.
The reality is that these disasters are not just affecting Pakistan anymore; they are affecting people all over the world. And if we don't take action now, our lives will get harder.
Some experts predict that the consequences of climate change will mean a quarter of the population in Pakistan could be living below the poverty line by 2020. So what can you do? It's an opportunity to look at how climate change is not only impacting floods, but also storms, hurricanes and heat waves. And there are plenty of ways you can get involved: You can make your voice heard on important issues like clean energy and sustainable development, says Mr Browner.
The Intense Rains Cause Deadly Mudslides
Pakistan is currently facing one of the worst flood disasters in recent history. The intense rains have caused deadly mudslides, which have claimed the lives of hundreds of people. Thousands more have been displaced, and the country is struggling to provide adequate relief and assistance. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that many of the affected areas are remote and difficult to access. The Pakistani government has appealed for international assistance, but so far the response has been slow. The United Nations has declared a state of emergency, and aid workers are struggling to reach those who need help the most. It is clear that this disaster will have a lasting impact on Pakistan and its people. Along with providing food, water, shelter and medical care to those who need it most, it is imperative that the government also focus on rebuilding damaged infrastructure. As people begin to return home from temporary shelters like mosques or schools, they must be provided with shelter options that are not only affordable but also accessible. With the annual monsoon season set to begin soon after the floods recede, it is critical that preventive measures be taken now if there is any hope of preventing future catastrophes. Many questions remain about how best to approach the rebuilding process, but what is certain is that the people of Pakistan deserve better than what they have gotten thus far. They deserve the full support of their government and their fellow citizens. And as the rest of the world watches with bated breath, we all can do our part to offer whatever aid we can. Contact your elected officials and demand action- the people of Pakistan deserve nothing less.
After days of torrential rain, flash flooding destroyed roads and killed livestock along with entire families in different parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Saturday night. Dozens were reportedly killed when massive mud slides buried whole villages under several feet of thick muck while they slept; some 150 houses were swallowed up at two villages alone in Balakot area. A local official told media that eight bodies were retrieved so far at Ayub Mashqad village near Chilas town, where residents rushed out of homes just ahead of an avalanche-like flow of earth and rock which fell into houses burying them alive during heavy rainfall on Saturday night. He said teams had been dispatched to salvage bodies from houses buried under several feet deep muck. I am trying to control my emotions and go back and supervise the rescue operation, district administration chief Abdul Hameed Afridi told AFP. We have mobilised the police, volunteers and villagers to help evacuate people. Meanwhile, rescuers continued digging through debris in the remote mountains of Kohistan district in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, close to the Afghan border. Officials said at least ten people died in the landslides here. This was reported on December 12th, 2010. The Pakistani government has yet to fully respond to the crises, and experts are warning that the lack of planning for these types of natural disasters is jeopardizing those who have already been injured. It is obvious that with a developing country, such as Pakistan, there is no possibility of being prepared to handle such situations. The issues of poverty in Pakistan have contributed greatly to the ongoing effects of these extreme weather events. This has led to a state-of-emergency being called by the UN in order to get assistance from other countries. Pakistan has asked for monetary assistance, and the first responders are struggling to meet the needs of those who need it most. The government also needs to rebuild their infrastructures in order to prevent a worse disaster in the coming years. One of the biggest obstacles is that those who are suffering are very remote, which makes them hard to reach. This is why there is a need for a large-scale effort, which can include rebuilding infrastructures as well as rebuilding people's mental states so they can move on from what has happened.
Flood Evacuation Plans
With the increase of natural disasters, it is more important than ever to have an evacuation plan. If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, here are some things to keep in mind when creating your plan. -First, find out if there are any floodplains near your home. -Second, create a list of items to bring with you if need be. Items should include clothing, bedding, medication and important documents.
-Third, contact family members and friends outside of the region to let them know where you will be staying during this time so they can visit if they like.
-Fourth, check on pets as well! There may not always be pet shelters open so make sure they are able to go with you as well. Lastly, do not forget to pack up food and other necessities for your stay at a shelter or friend's house until the floods subside! Remember these tips next time a storm approaches, and you'll be prepared.
Make sure that any medications you take on a regular basis can survive extreme weather conditions (heat/cold/humidity). Keep your meds in original containers. Make two copies of medical documents. Keep one copy secure, accessible location (insurance papers & passport) and keep one near both work sites and home. Create an emergency kit ready for evacuation in case you have to leave your home quickly due to flooding: • Cell phone charger • Warm clothing • Wet-weather gear such as rubber boots, raincoat, umbrella • Emergency toolkit including items like small saw, pliers, screwdriver • Food supplies including water & non-perishable foods (muffins & granola bars) • Pet supplies including leash/collar/ID tag/food
How to Donate to Victims
In 2010, Pakistan was struck by one of the worst floods in its history. The Indus River, which runs through the country, burst its banks, leaving 20 million people homeless. Many villages were completely submerged and thousands of people died.
In the aftermath of the disaster, the Pakistani government appealed for international aid. Countries like the United States, China, and Saudi Arabia donated money and supplies to help with relief efforts.
If you want to donate to victims of the 2010 floods in Pakistan, there are a few ways you can do so.
One way is to donate money to organizations like the Red Cross or Unicef. These organizations provide clean water, food, shelter, medical care, and other essentials that will help people get back on their feet. You can also sign up as an organ donor if you’re over 18 years old. That will provide much-needed blood transfusions for children who lost their parents in the flood. Finally, volunteer your time to go over to Pakistan yourself and make a difference in someone’s life! Your hard work could change the lives of millions! In addition to donating money, you can use your skills and abilities to serve those in need. Consider traveling abroad to assist others during this difficult time; it might be just what they need! With so many different ways to help out, anyone can find a way to contribute and make a difference. Every donation helps, no matter how big or small. Together we can give hope to those living in the wake of devastation and make a real difference!
Donating money, blood and time is one thing, but did you know there are more ways to assist? Many organizations accept donations of secondhand items such as clothes, books and toys. For example, Goodwill accepts donations of clothing and household goods at local stores worldwide. If you have old school books collecting dust in your attic, why not donate them instead? Schools may have a book drive where they collect used books to give away at low cost or even distribute free. Helping with something as simple as collecting supplies allows everyone involved to enjoy helping while lowering costs. For example, Goodwill partners with companies like Target and Walmart to collect used clothing for recycling. When these items are recycled, the money from recycling goes back into programs to help fund employment training programs for disabled individuals. By donating things that you don't need anymore, you'll feel better knowing that you're doing your part in bringing aid to those who desperately need it. So next time when you're about to throw something away because it's old or doesn't fit right anymore think about whether somebody else would benefit from having it first! Maybe you won't always be able to donate money, but chances are you can donate some of the stuff around your house.
In 2011, Pakistan suffered another major flooding crisis. It is estimated that more than 300,000 Pakistanis lost their homes and died in the ensuing storm. Unfortunately, natural disasters often disproportionately affect the poorest members of society who lack resources to prepare themselves for a natural disaster and cannot afford necessary emergency supplies following the event. The situation worsened in 2016 when heavy monsoon rains caused massive flooding in southern parts of the country displacing close to 1 million people. Fortunately, you can still help!
How You Can Help
Pakistan is a country that is all too familiar with the devastation of floods. In 2010, floods caused $9.7 billion in damage and affected 21 million people. Just last year, floods killed more than 1,200 people and affected nearly 2 million more. The damage caused by these floods is immeasurable, and the need for relief is great. For those who want to help make a difference, there are several ways you can do soso. A good way to start is to donate money. You can give funds through the Red Cross or UNICEF or through Save the Children's donation page . You can also donate items on Amazon . Your old clothes, blankets, diapers, food items- any item will be put to good use in a region where they are desperately needed. If you have some time and expertise on your hands, consider donating your skills as well! Volunteering with organizations like Habitat for Humanity or Doctors Without Borders will give you an opportunity to make an impact right away while giving back at the same time. Whether you're skilled at construction work, medical assistance, financial planning, or computer programming- there's something for everyone to do. And don't forget about volunteering domestically! VolunteerMatch has a list of volunteer opportunities around the US from groups like Feeding America and Catholic Charities USA . With so many options available, it's easy to find one that fits into your schedule.
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