In a grim reminder of how vulnerable we are to nature’s fury; heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds have left, at least, 19 people dead and nearly 50 injured across Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) provinces of Pakistan. The devastation began with the latest spell of pre-monsoon rains that are expected to persist, deepening the crisis of climate change and extreme weather in several parts of the country.
The Role of Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events:
What appears to be isolated seasonal events are, in fact, part of a larger, more disturbing global pattern – increase in frequency and intensity of extreme weather events driven by climate change. It is happening in Pakistan, not as an anomaly, but a symptom of a changing climate, linked to more intense and unpredictable weather events.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), warming temperatures have significantly influenced precipitation patterns, increasing the likelihood of extreme events, such as heavy rains and storms. With the rising global temperatures, the warmer air holds more moisture. This climate change and extreme weather results in heavier downpours as the moisture is finally released.
In regions like South Asia, this means pre-monsoon rains may arrive earlier, with even greater intensity, and less predictability. These factors may compound the risks for already vulnerable communities.
A Devastating Snapshot:
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa PDMA released a report highlighting the losses that incurred since May 27. Accordingly, the stormy weather has not only resulted in tragic human casualties but also significant damage to infrastructure. At least 25 homes have been destroyed or damaged so far – one completely and 24 partially – in the districts of Mardan, Swabi, Peshawar, Shangla, Swat, Torghar, Mohmand, Mansehra, and Haripur.
Urban life has been thrown into disarray. Flights were grounded, and roads were inundated; whereas power lines snapped under the pressure of uprooted trees and high winds. Several cities across the provinces experienced long, unplanned power outages, a persistent challenge that disrupts homes, businesses, and emergency services, when it rains in the backdrop of climate change and extreme weather.
PDMA’s Response and Preparedness
In response to the current crisis in the province, the PDMA of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has maintained constant contact with district administrations and emergency services. Their Emergency Operations Centre remains fully functional, offering a vital lifeline for citizens. People have been advised to report emergencies by dialing the helpline 1700.
While these efforts are commendable, they reflect a reactive rather than a proactive approach to the crisis. Disaster response mechanisms are often overwhelmed when the scale of the weather event exceeds historical norms, something that is becoming increasingly common with climate change.
Pakistan’s Vulnerability to Climate Change and Extreme Weather:
Pakistan is one of the most affected countries to climate-related disasters. In recent years, the country has faced everything from catastrophic floods and droughts to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in its farthest mountainous north. A country with a predominantly agrarian economy and a large population living in climate-sensitive areas is particularly at risk due to climate change and extreme weather.
Poor urban planning, deforestation, inadequate drainage systems, and encroachments on natural water channels only worsen the impact of climate chaos in Pakistan. The recent deaths and injuries caused by collapsing walls and flying debris during thunderstorms are a tragic outcome of the lack of climate-resilient infrastructure.
What Needs to Change?
The tragic events unfolding in Pakistan are not isolated. They mirror similar disasters around the globe, ranging from hurricanes in the Americas to typhoons in Southeast Asia, and wildfires in Europe and Australia. Climate change and extreme weather is no longer a future threat; it is our present crisis.
Here are a few key strategies that can help mitigate the risks of climate change and extreme weather:
1. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure:
Homes, roads, and utilities must be designed to withstand the extreme weather. Reinforced building codes, and flood-resistant infrastructure, as well as early warning systems are essential.
2. Urban Planning Reform:
Overcrowded cities with poor drainage and haphazard construction make weather disasters even worse. Sustainable city planning that respects natural water bodies and airflow patterns is the need of the hour.
3. Ecosystem Protection:
Wetlands, forests, and mangroves act as natural buffers against climate shocks. They must be protected and restored. These ecosystems must be a national priority.
4.Public Awareness:
Community education campaigns on climate preparedness, and emergency response, as well as disaster resilience can save lives when disaster strikes.
5. Global Cooperation:
Climate change is a global issue and requiring collective action. Developed nations must support the vulnerable countries with funding, technology, and capacity-building to adapt to new climate realities.
A Wake-Up Call:
The current spell of the deadly weather across Pakistan should not be dismissed as another natural event. It is a wake-up call, a signal that climate change and extreme weather is here and now, and it’s impacting the lives of millions, especially those in the most fragile regions. If we continue to ignore the growing signs, we do so at our peril. Each extreme weather event, and each life lost, is a reminder that the time for climate action is not tomorrow – it is today.
Conclusion: Our Responsibility
The recent rains and their tragic consequences in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are a somber testament that climate change and extreme weather are no longer an abstract concept. It’s real, it’s deadly, and it’s accelerating.
As individuals, communities, and nations, we must recognize the undeniable link between our actions and the rapid climate change and extreme weather of our planet. Every choice we make matters here – from the energy we consume to the waste we generate – they all contribute to either the problem or the solution. Acknowledging this connection is the first step toward a meaningful change.
By fostering a deeper awareness of how our daily habits impact the environment, we empower ourselves to make even more sustainable decisions. Communities can come together to champion green initiatives, as well as support clean energy, and promote conservation efforts. Nations, on the other hand, must implement robust policies that prioritize climate resilience and environmental justice.
Final Thought:
It is only through a united and conscious effort, almost at every level of society, that we can hope to build a safer, healthier, and more resilient future for generations to come.
