Climate Change and Natural Disasters

Published in Punjab Disaster Response Plan, 2016

Introduction:

In 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 – massive floods, devastating earthquakes, and other events that have led to the loss of millions of lives and billions in infrastructure, industry, and investment. Worldwide environmental change has started affecting every region on earth. The change is especially pronounced in the areas of Asia. The direct losses including loss to life, livelihood, and property as well as devastating economic impact as a result of natural disasters has increased during the recent decades.

Located at the crossroads of East and West, Pakistan has diverse topographical features and experiences widely varying meteorological conditions. Pakistan is among the highly vulnerable countries facing impacts of climate change. The most alarming indicator of that is Pakistan’s 5000 glaciers are retreating faster than any other part in the world. High mountain climate has remained warmer than the national average by 0.4oC, whereas national average has increased by 0.93oC. The growth of thermal regime is increasing the risk for flash floods. The situation is further aggravated by rainfall which is disturbing the regular flow of water into rivers and has causes extreme variability in the water cycle.

As a result of these changes, the devastating impact of floods has increased. Floods caused by disruptions to the water cycle, glacial melt, and heavy rainfall are eroding agricultural land. Another major issue that contributes to disaster vulnerability of population segments is the unapproved and unplanned development in high risk areas. Many of these developments are not constructed properly and utilize poor quality materials. Consequently, the damage to human lives and livelihood, infrastructure, social systems, and the economy is also 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 also a direct impact on sustainability, national development, food security, and access to natural resources. The following table indicates the reported disasters in Pakistan along with their impacts:

Table: International reported disasters of Pakistan 1990-2014 (Source: CRED EM-DAT Feb 2015)

Punjab Province:

Punjab is the highest populated province of Pakistan with an estimated population of over 100 million persons. Its total area is 205,344 square kilometers. The unique geographic location and meteorological conditions of the area make Punjab province highly vulnerable during Monsoon season. Flooding is the top ranking natural disaster in Punjab with thousands of lives lost and billions of rupees worth damages caused to livelihood of people and the critical infrastructure. Flooding is generally associated 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.

Table: Past Flood History of Punjab (Source: Punjab Disaster Response Plan 2015)

Provincial Disaster Management Authority Punjab:

PDMA is a coordinating body that provides a platform for all the Government departments and agencies to spearhead the response to any natural or manmade disaster. The current global shift from a reactive approach towards a proactive approach for building resilient communities is also being adopted by PDMA. The mandate of PDMA is “securing lives and livelihood”. As such, PDMA is preparing to adopt an approach that is not only focused on preparedness but also includes mitigation measures.

Early Warning System:

PDMA is already working alongside Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) for a comprehensive early warning system. There is continuous monitoring of the various weather phenomena including atmospheric pressure, pressure systems, thermal trends, and precipitation levels. Furthermore, there is round the clock monitoring of multiple information sources in order to generate and obtain first information about natural disasters from all of the different districts of Punjab. PDMA will improve the existing Early Warning System 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

Rescue and Relief Supplies:

PDMA has already made extensive rescue and relief efforts in conjunction with District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) in various districts of Punjab. The DDMAs have been provided with relief and rescue materials including boats, life jackets, life rings, OBMs, etc. The provided boats are equipped with satellite tracking and monitoring in order to observe the real time movement in flood affected areas.

Table: List of Relief and Rescue Materials Provided by PDMA (2016)

Mock Exercises:

PDMA has taken the lead of training efforts by holding mock exercises. Mock exercises are a primary training tool used around the world to train rescuers and first responders for high stress and high risk situations. The practical experience developed during these trainings is beneficial in developing coordinated action, promoting team building, and improving quick thinking when faced in a situation of urgency or disaster.