n recent decades, the world has undergone numerous transformations as a result of both manmade and natural events. One of the most alarming phenomena that have been observed with an increasing frequency in the past two decades are natural disasters, chiefly massive floods that have caused the loss of millions of lives and billions in infrastructure, industry and investment.

The unique geographic location and meteorological conditions of the Punjab make the province highly vulnerable during monsoons. Flooding is the top ranking natural disaster in the region, with thousands of lives lost and damage worth billions of rupees caused to livelihood of people and the critical infrastructure.

Flooding is generally associated with increased rainfall during the monsoon season. This weather phenomenon combined with the widespread network of canal irrigation and lack of a proper drainage system continues to lead to floods nearly on an annual basis.

Though urbanisation is considered a harbinger of development, it also brings a number of increased risks and vulnerabilities. Migration to developed urban areas is a direct cause of overcrowding with migrants swelling the ranks of the urban poor and taking up residence in marginal lands around urban centres that are prone to flooding and other risks. Research indicates that urbanising 50 percent of watersheds (area of land that separates water flow) can cause incidence of flooding to multiply by 20.

Improper land-use planning results in an increase in impervious ground surfaces, consequently reducing water absorption and increasing the potential damage. Urban sprawl and development over floodways can also impede water drainage.

Floods caused by disruptions to the water cycle, glacial melt and heavy rainfall are eroding the agricultural land. Unapproved and unplanned development in high-risk areas is another major factor in increasing disaster vulnerability. Many of these developments are not constructed properly and use poor quality materials. Consequently, the damage to human lives and livelihood, infrastructure, social systems, and economy is massive. The combination of the aforementioned changes is serving not only as a threat but also as a threat multiplier. In addition to the loss of human life and property, there is a direct impact on sustainability, national development, food security, and access to natural resources.

Urban flooding has recently taken centre stage as a new type of natural hazard that can quickly turn into a disaster. This year, record-shattering rainfall has swept the country, leaving dozens dead and thousands in need of relief, rescue and rehabilitation.

The rains have also damaged roads, caused widespread power outages and brought commuting to a standstill. These evident impacts of urban flooding have far-reaching, direct and indirect effects on social life, development and economic growth.

In sharp contrast to rural areas, the impact of floods in urban areas are quite complex. A number of factors such as depth, flow velocity and duration must be taken into account to assess the true extent of the damage. The Urban Flood Risk Management, or UFRM, is built upon three components for strategising flood management frameworks in cities: the first component is the flood hazard control and defence through structural measures to cut down water levels, limit inundation and reduce destructive effects of flooding. The second component seeks to address exposure by enhancing preparedness and adaptation through hard and soft capacity building including improving administrative aspects and social management to avoid being in the path of risk in the first place. The third component of this approach addresses vulnerability by promoting measures to build resilience, such as awareness campaigns, flood risk financing, and relief, recovery, and reconstruction activities.

Existing water management and flood risk control measures may not be robust enough to cope with extensive urban flooding and its impact on all sectors of society, including drinking water supply, sanitation, healthcare, agriculture and food security.

The World Meteorological Organisation, through a significant body of scientific research, reports that precipitation levels will continue to vary in the years to come. Complex modifications in weather system circulation will affect historic rainfall patterns and monsoon precipitation is generally expected to increase.

Flood loss prevention and mitigation requires large-scale measures including construction of dams and dykes along waterways. Non-structural interventions based on a cohesive institutional approach include effective flood forecasting and early warning systems, utilisation of Geographical Information System based inundation maps to simulate flood extent and increased awareness and capacity building among first responders and vulnerable communities.

The participation of non-governmental organisations and private entities in disaster management with effective coordination among key government stakeholders and mandated first responders must also be encouraged. A combination of the aforementioned interventions, combined with grassroots level community outreach programmes will be instrumental in bringing about much needed change in Pakistan’s disaster management mechanisms.

Vulnerability to floods is a complex combination of interrelated dynamics and mutually reinforcing conditions that require strategic cohesion for long-term effectiveness. Existing water management and flood risk control measures may not be robust enough to cope with extensive urban flooding and its impact on all sectors of society, including drinking water supply, sanitation, healthcare, agriculture and food security.

Climate variability must be incorporated into development projects with emphasis on water related management being a key priority for all interventions in the commercial, infrastructure, and social sectors. Besides, effective use of technology to prepare inundation maps and simulated water flows in conjunction with a robust flood forecasting and early warning system may help alleviate the damage potential of floods in the future.

Lastly, vulnerable communities in flood prone areas can be empowered to use mobile phones to learn basic measures for preparedness and report damage to initiate timely relief and rescue efforts.

Local authorities must work with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) for a comprehensive early warning system. There needs to be continuous monitoring of the various weather phenomena including atmospheric pressure, pressure systems, thermal trends and precipitation levels by qualified experts who can interpret these measurements. Early Warning Systems can be enhanced by using geo-referenced maps which will provide timely information to the different departments in order to elevate levels of preparedness, promote community based disaster risk management, and improve the response mechanism. In order to supplement extensive rescue and relief efforts, materials such as boats, life jackets, generators and first-aid kits must be procured and maintained to provide instant relief where required.

Finally, district and provincial administrations must mainstream training efforts by holding mock exercises, to train rescuers and first responders for high-stress and high-risk situations. The practical experience from these trainings will be beneficial in developing coordinated action, promoting team building and improving quick thinking when facing a situation of urgency or disaster.

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