f you have lived in South Asia, you would know how rain is either romanticised or considered an unofficial ‘cheat day’ for one to consume all the unhealthy, oily foods one craves. Indeed, that’s how the common people like to spend a literally (not proverbial) rainy day.

In my recent memory, though, rains have ceased to be romantic. They are more about heartache, as one learns about the damage caused to properties and the lives lost.

For those who care about it, rains have also impacted the region’s economic growth. For years, climate activists have raised their concerns at different forums about the rising temperature and its lasting impact. Unfortunately, the people, at least in Pakistan, do not care about something until and unless it’s an emergency situation close to home.

Perhaps, that’s human nature.

The past decade has witnessed floods, droughts, glacial lake outbursts, cyclones and heat waves. According to an ADB report, titled The Climate Change Profile of Pakistan, the flash floods of 2010 killed 1,600 people, inundated an area of 38,600 square kilometers, and caused damage worth around $10 billion. The Karachi heat wave of June 2015 led to the death of more than 1,200 people. Last year’s floods killed around 1,700 people and over a thousand domestic animals; an estimated eight million people were displaced. The floods also caused a loss of $30 billion, which Pakistan has still not recovered from.

Earlier this week, the Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a warning against urban flooding. Lahore alone witnessed record-breaking rainfall which brought life in the metro to a standstill. Many drains choked; many roads were flooded. The newly constructed underpass at Centre Point had a very sorry tale to tell, as cars and bikes were stranded in the middle. It was a nightmare for the daily commuters.

The question is: once a warning was issued why were the drains not cleared; especially after Lahore had faced a similar situation a week earlier? We keep beating about the bush, rain, load-shedding and floods; and hear about the PM or the CM taking note; then everyone starts scampering, issuing clichéd statements. It’s highly disturbing to see that our government is not focused on relief efforts.

The general public should also take some responsibility. For instance, they should not throw plastic bags around, as those can choke the drains. On a rainy day, our workplaces that can afford to do it should facilitate their employees by offering them to work remotely. If Covid-19 taught us one thing, it was that a lot of work can be done virtually — and done pretty well.

Unfortunately, we are often late to adopt/ accept new trends. The concept of climate change has been there for a while, but it wasn’t until last year’s floods that our government started taking it seriously. Experts have been warning about the chaos and disasters that await Pakistan, because the government isn’t doing much about climate change. Over the years, the city has expanded and its population has increased but drainage remains neglected.

It’s time those in the corridors of power left their petty politics aside and focused on real issues that are impacting the lives of millions of people. Mother Nature knows how to look after herself; it’s us humans who need to improve life around her.

The writer is a freelance journalist