he year 2023 once again revived memories of widespread flooding, as inundation played havoc with communities, agriculture and the economy. This devastation followed excessive flows released by India into the canals and rivers that connect across the border in Pakistan, mostly the Punjab.

As recently as last year, the release of excess water by India directly resulted in massive flooding across the plains of the Punjab.

It is no secret that climate change has been causing harm not only to the environment but also to all forms of life. The phenomenon of smog, for example, which became a fifth season for Lahore and much of the Punjab; severe heat waves; and short winters are all forebears of drastic climatic variations not just in Pakistan, but across the subcontinent. The impact of these variations is not limited to extreme weather events; the long term effects include reduced crop yields that directly impact the economy; and increased demand for power, which in turn contributes to the cycle of fossil-fuel consumption and adds to the burden on the national exchequer.

This year, rising temperatures caused greater glacial melting, which compounded with intense monsoon rainfall, created the perfect mixture for flooding. India’s release of hundreds of thousands of cusecs, mainly into the River Ravi, can spell disaster for farmers in the Punjab, whose cultivated land sits aside its course. Furthermore, the fact that the irrigation network is largely connected to riverine sources of water means that any excessive flows through the upper parts of the river wreak havoc downstream. In many cases, this means that water may breach weak parts of irrigation networks, often near villages, and cause harm to people, property and livestock.

Riverine flooding in Pakistan has always been precipitated by heavy monsoon rains. Changing patterns of the monsoon system, including increased frequency and intensity of rains, mean that traditional flood protection measures, in place for decades, no longer function as intended.

It goes without saying that the lack of will and political commitment to expanding surface level water storage through small dams or reservoirs also contributes to the devastation caused by flooding.

Poor management of development, illegal encroachments, and settlements on fertile riverine land and lack of enforcement of construction bands in floodplains add to the damage caused to infrastructure and property. Every year, newspapers and TV news bulletins are filled with stories of flood protection levees being constructed or demolished at will to protect affluent land owners. The poorest of the poor remain the most vulnerable. It would be remiss not to mention that many of those impacted by the widespread flooding last year are again facing the brunt of the catastrophe.

In July alone, it is estimated that more than 80 people have lost their lives in flooding and rainfall related incidents. 100 houses have been destroyed. A report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) cites significant losses in lost agricultural productivity, due to farmers missing the plantation season last winter, and the likelihood of missing the upcoming Kharif and Rabi seasons as well.

Last year’s floods submerged vast areas of fertile land, leading to significant crop losses and harm to livestock. The soil erosion and sediment deposition disrupted cultivation, making many areas unsuitable for farming in the short term.

The report goes on to describe the inadequate support in terms of animal feed, agricultural tools, and rehabilitation of community and household assets, stating that “in several areas, very little or no help has been given.” This is a damning indictment, especially considering the 41.5 percent year-on-year inflation in food prices in rural areas.

Meanwhile, efforts need to be ramped up to avoid a public health catastrophe. A coordinated campaign is required to prevent the outbreak of vector-borne and waterborne diseases.

Gaps in nutrition must also be addressed to prevent the “wasting” and “stunting” among children in flood-affected areas.

Additionally, recent rains have rolled back rehabilitation of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector facilities in many areas, and rehabilitation is required.

The widespread destruction of infrastructure, including roads, bridges and irrigation networks, has caused major disruptions in transportation and communication. Industries located in flood-affected regions have suffered significant losses in output. Moreover, countless families have been displaced due to damage to homes and properties, adding to the already severe humanitarian crisis. Rehabilitation efforts stretched government resources, making it difficult to invest in other sectors of the economy.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rains and high levels of flooding in the weeks to come. The aforementioned impacts are not limited to one sector. Therefore, it is imperative for the entire state machinery to come together during this time of need. Multi-sectoral collaboration between agencies responsible for irrigation, meteorological forecasting, public health, infrastructure, finance, and search and rescue is essential to dampen the impact of flooding on the lives and livelihoods of people.

Seventy-five years after independence, we still lack a comprehensive flood policy, inter-provincial regulation and adequate flood control structures. Whilst the role for coordination during disasters was assigned to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), effective inter-provincial coordination between the Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) remains to be seen.

The 2023 flooding in Pakistan and the excess water release from India’s rivers underscores the shared vulnerability of both countries to climate change. Increasing global temperatures and changing weather patterns have led to more frequent and intense extreme weather events like heavy rainfall and flooding. These climate-related challenges transcend national borders and necessitate collaborative efforts to address effectively.

To address the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on water management and natural disasters, both India and Pakistan must prioritise cooperation and establish a coordinating agency. Such an agency would facilitate joint efforts in monitoring weather patterns, sharing data on water levels, and coordinating water release from dams to mitigate the impact of floods.

Furthermore, this collaborative agency can foster dialogue and information exchange on sustainable water resource management, encouraging practices that are environmentally responsible and fair to both nations. By pooling their resources and expertise, India and Pakistan can build resilience against future climate challenges and work towards a more sustainable and secure future.

The devastating flooding this year serves as a poignant reminder for both India and Pakistan to recognise the urgency of addressing climate change through joint efforts. The excess water release from India’s rivers, coupled with heavy monsoon rains, has resulted in an unprecedented disaster that has deeply affected the agriculture and economy in Pakistan. Both countries must understand that climate change poses a common threat, necessitating collective action and cooperation.

This calls for shared responsibility and collaborative efforts in water resource management, disaster preparedness and sustainable development.

The writer is a development sector professional with nearly a decade of experience in communications and reporting. He has supported the implementation of The World Bank’s Disaster and Climate Resilience Improvement Project (DCRIP) and ADB’s Flood Emergency Reconstruction and Resilience Project (FERRP) in Pakistan