Editorial
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an alert for yet another spell of heavy monsoon rains between September 16 and 19, warning of possible flash floods in streams and low-lying areas near rivers. While such alerts have become routine, the real test lies in whether our institutions and citizens respond with seriousness and foresight. The eleventh round of rains in a single season is not merely a weather event—it is a stark reminder of the urgent need for preventive measures against floods and rain-related disasters.
The PDMA’s directive to commissioners and deputy commissioners across Punjab to remain on high alert is welcome. Yet, alerts alone do not save lives. Local administrations must ensure that drainage channels are cleared, protective embankments strengthened, and emergency shelters ready to house vulnerable families. Rescue and relief teams must not just be “on call” but pre-deployed in high-risk areas to minimize response time.
Equally critical is citizen awareness. The PDMA has rightly cautioned people against visiting rivers and water bodies during the rains. However, public communication must go beyond warnings—campaigns on safe evacuation, community vigilance, and emergency contact systems should be widespread. A culture of preparedness, not panic, must guide citizens during these forecasts.
Long-term resilience also demands investment in infrastructure and climate adaptation. Restoring natural waterways, building rainwater reservoirs, and rehabilitating flood protection structures are not optional—they are necessities in an era of intensifying climate change. Urban planning must also prioritize unclogging storm drains and ending encroachments that turn rain into urban flooding.
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Pakistan cannot afford to treat every rainfall as a crisis. Preparedness must be institutionalized, from village councils to provincial authorities. With each warning, we have the chance to act decisively. Failure to do so will only repeat the tragic cycle of preventable destruction.
