Summan Ismail
Balochistan is once again in the throes of a climate crisis, grappling with the dual onslaught of torrential rains and scorching heatwaves. The province, scarred by the devastating floods of 2022, now faces a renewed threat as monsoon and pre-monsoon rains pound its districts. Forecasters from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) have issued dire warnings, predicting heavy rainfall over the next 15 days, raising fears of urban and rural flooding.
The current deluge has already exacted a heavy toll. In districts such as Dera Bugti, Barkhan, Musa Khel, and Kech, communities are reeling from the aftermath of severe downpours. Tragically, the rain-related incidents have claimed the lives of eight people, including two children, within a span of just one week. More than 250 houses lie damaged, with over 25 individuals injured and countless families displaced, their lives upended once again.
Adding to the region’s woes, Balochistan is experiencing unprecedented temperatures. Quetta, known for its cooler climate, is sweltering under 40 degrees Celsius, an extreme for this city nestled amidst the mountains. Meanwhile, in Sibi, the mercury soared to a blistering 50 degrees Celsius for a sustained week. Such conditions not only test the resilience of communities but also pose severe health risks, as bodies struggle to cope with the relentless heat.
The echoes of the 2022 floods reverberate ominously through Balochistan. Last year’s catastrophe inundated 32 out of 34 districts, overwhelming infrastructure and displacing millions. Torrential rains, surpassing the 30-year average by 5.1 times, wreaked havoc across the province. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), over 33 million people were affected, with 242 thousand houses damaged. The scars from that disaster are still raw in places like Nawa Killi and Hanna Urhak, where rebuilding efforts have been slow, leaving communities vulnerable to subsequent calamities.
Among those deeply affected is Rubab, a young activist from Nawa Killi. Her family lost their home in the 2022 floods, an event that shattered not just buildings but also livelihoods. Despite their efforts, they have received little support from authorities, leaving them struggling to afford housing amidst skyrocketing rents. Rubab’s story reflects a broader systemic failure in urban planning and disaster response, where vulnerable communities are left to fend for themselves in the aftermath of climate-driven disasters.
Balochistan’s vulnerability to such extreme weather events underscores the broader implications of climate change. As a developing region, it confronts challenges exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and limited resources for disaster preparedness. The recurring cycle of floods and heatwaves highlights the urgent need for sustainable development practices and adaptive strategies to mitigate future risks.
In the face of impending challenges, authorities are on high alert. The prospect of urban flooding, particularly in Quetta, looms large as heavy rains persist. Emergency responders and local officials are mobilizing resources to preemptively evacuate vulnerable areas and provide relief to those in need. However, the scale of the challenge is daunting, with communities already stretched thin by previous disasters and ongoing socioeconomic pressures.
Beyond immediate response efforts, there is a pressing need for long-term planning and investment in resilient infrastructure. The resilience of Balochistan’s communities’ hinges on their ability to withstand and recover from climate-related shocks. Calls for improved urban planning, better drainage systems, and climate-resilient housing are amplified in the wake of each disaster, yet progress remains incremental.
As Balochistan navigates another turbulent monsoon season, the urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated. The province stands at a crossroads, where decisions made today will shape its ability to cope with future environmental challenges. Investments in climate adaptation, coupled with community-driven resilience-building initiatives, are imperative to safeguarding lives and livelihoods in the face of a changing climate.
In conclusion, the current crisis in Balochistan serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness between climate change, development, and human security. It underscores the need for concerted global efforts to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and support vulnerable regions in adapting to the impacts of a warming planet. Balochistan’s resilience in the face of adversity offers lessons for the world, highlighting the imperative of building sustainable and inclusive communities capable of weathering the storms of tomorrow.
