fter several weeks of intense heat and extreme humidity, the first monsoon rain hit Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on July 1. Fortunately, loss of life and damage to property has been limited. However, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), more than 16,000 families in the state are vulnerable to disruptions brought about by flooding.

Light to heavy showers were reported in Rawalakot, Muzaffarabad and some other cities. Rawalakot and its vicinity received light rain but Muzaffarabad, received heavy rain that inundated the low-lying areas of the city. The situation compelled the authorities to issue an advisory for tourists to limit their movement.

According to the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Azad Jammu and Kashmir may receive 49 percent more rain this year than the previous record. Rain-related accidents in AJK have claimed four lives thus far. Eight people have been injured. Fifty-four houses have been destroyed by rain or flooding and two have been partially damaged. Floods have also destroyed five shops. Neelum Valley received unanticipated snowfall, causing the death of 741 cattle.

Prime Minister Sardar Tanveer Ilyas Khan has directed the related authorities and departments, including the SDMA, to remain on high alert to deal with any emergency situation.

Saeed Qureshi, the SDMA director, says that authorities are anticipating flash floods, landslides, road blockage and cloud bursts in various areas. “The AJK has been largely safe till now. However, a lot of rain has yet to come. The SDMA has prepared a monsoon contingency plan to cope with the situation. It has mapped out the resources and is keeping all stakeholders on board.”

Officials say that the relevant authorities have identified vulnerable areas where floods might hit. Arrangements have been made to ensure safety. Plans have been chalked out for effective camp and food management in areas where need for evacuation might arise. Alternative locations have also been identified for those affected by a disaster. The monsoon contingency plan is being reviewed regularly in coordination with the Physical Planning and Housing (PPH), and Communication and Works (C&W) Departments.

The SDMA has appointed focal persons in all districts of the AJK. They are responsible for providing updates on rainfall intensity throughout the AJK. The information is gathered regularly and plans aligned according to the prevailing situation.

Officials tell The News on Sunday that the government has provided those affected so far with 56 tents, 16 plastic mats, 88 plastic sheets, 11 mattresses, 35 medicine kits, 35 food packages, 18 shawls, nine sleeping bags, nine kitchen sets and nine water cans.

Masood Ur Rehman, the Muzaffarabad division commissioner, says that a large part of the AJK consists of hilly areas with fast-flowing streams that can become a source of disasters during monsoons. Continuous rains can trigger landslides and local as well as regional flooding. He says that people falling into fast-flowing waters are the most frequent cause of death during the monsoon season. Lightning strikes too cause deaths and destruction.

He says that the AJK administration has done a disaster risk assessment beforehand and is prepared to respond to any situation.

The AJK Board of Revenue (AJK-BOR) provides financial assistance to people affected by natural disasters. The SDMA is in charge of early response down to the district level. It works through the district disaster management authorities (DDMA), headed by deputy commissioners (DCs) in each district.

In case of an emergency, the DDMAs can mobilise special equipment and call 1122 for assistance. The disaster damage data are recorded and reported on a daily basis. The DDMAs pool all government/ non-government machinery and workforce available in the region to handle disastrous situations. Monsoon contingency plans are prepared in May every year. The exercise is supervised by the relevant commissioners. Food and non-food relief items are kept at the disposal of the DDMAs. All stores and warehouses are operational throughout the monsoon periods.

The AJK government established the SDMA in 2006 to handle disaster situations. However, it has struggled to acquire specialised skills and adequate resources to deal with the challenges. So far, it also lacks presence on social media platforms and websites. This makes it harder for the citizens in need of assistance to find useful and updated information. There is a need in view of the climate change threats for more financial resources, equipment and policy guidelines for the SDMA to be better able to help people during disasters.

The writer is a Rawalakot, AJK-based freelance contributor. She tweets @hunain_mahmood and can be reached at   hunainmehmud101@gmail.com