Climate adaptability and resilience
The continues spell of torrential rains in large part of the country, and flash floods in different streams in Chitral have wreaked heavy devastations to homes, livelihoods, roads, bridges and land communications, water supplies, hydel-powers and transmissions, and institutions. As the rainfall intermittently continues in Chitral, people in flood-hit and flood-prone areas live a testing time in their lives. Notwithstanding of many post-flood relief and rehabilitation measures as government and non-government organizations take to cope with the situation, time necessitates climate adaptability and resilience drive in the area.
The intense and unprecedented weather pattern, as it continues in the form of rain, winds, heat and chill in valleys differently, long denied and overlooked climate change is taking a tool in Chitral. As the rain system remains slow, since past week, it has triggered flash floods, among others, in different streams in Shishi, Denin, Barenis, Brep, and Meragram gol. Given the prevailing situation Relief, Rehabilitation and Settlement Department of KP has declared ‘emergency’ in upper Chitral until 30th August 2022, and District Education Office male upper Chitral notifies to close all schools in UC Yarkhun, and dozens of other schools in tehsil mastuj.
Today, Pakistan Meteorological Department has predicted another spell of rain in several parts of the country in Sindh, south Punjab, south and northeastern Baluchistan. Rain, wind, and thunderstorms, with isolated heavy fall, are also expected in KP, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan with occasional gaps. This weather pattern could have likely impact on vulnerable zones and pockets. So far massive floods have claimed 830 lives in the country since July. Meanwhile the government has decided to appeal international community seeking relief and rehabilitation of flood affected people, and rebuilding damaged infrastructure.
The severity of the situation can be better understood as the rain system continues in the flood affected areas where basic necessities remain short.
The renewed urge for better preparedness is needed against climate-induced disasters and changes for the wellbeing of the people. Around 75% of countries have identified climate adaptability as a priority in view of protecting lives, safeguarding livelihoods, water and food security, and protecting economic assets. Under Climate Promise, UNDP assists governments to scale-up and realize their adaptation ambitions.
Adaptation to climate change means a wide range of actions or solutions societies can take to reduce adverse impact of global warming. It requires practical measures which include, but not limited to, new varieties of crops, designing flood-defence infrastructure, improved early warning systems, restoring ecosystem, using renewable energy, protecting and improving the health of planets forests.
Future unlikely weather patterns and changes in climate can’t avoided so investment to build climate resilient society is must. Adaptation to climate helps build resilience against intensifying environmental changes.
