In the aftermath of the 2022 floods, the Health Department adopted a three-pronged strategy to address the crisis: restoring health facilities, coordinating with partners for a collective response, and monitoring disease outbreaks. As a signatory to the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, a collective response to outbreaks was necessary, leading to collaboration with organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and ICRC. Health facility clusters were established, and the government’s strategy focused on Prevention, Detection, and Response. The department set up Provincial Disease Surveillance and Response Units (PDSRUs) and District Disease Surveillance and Response Units (DDSRUs) under the supervision of the DGHS and Deputy Commissioner. These units aimed to provide rapid action in case of outbreaks. This paper evaluates the operational gaps in health department responses, including monitoring, damage assessment, and surveillance of diseases. It critically examines leadership tenures and response effectiveness, offering conclusions and recommendations for improving health department operations.
_________________________Floods are the most frequent natural disaster globally, causing widespread devastation, including loss of life and damage to infrastructure. In Pakistan, the 2022 floods, exacerbated by the country's existing food insecurity, severely impacted the already vulnerable communities, especially children and lactating mothers. Despite efforts by various national and international organizations, the floods amplified food and nutrition related issues. Pakistan's pre-existing challenges, such as high rates of malnutrition and low rankings on the Global Hunger Index, were worsened. This paper evaluates the relief efforts during and after the floods, identifies gaps in response, and highlights the need for better coordination and targeted strategies to address malnutrition and food insecurity. Effective interventions are crucial to mitigate the impacts of future floods and improve overall nutrition and health outcomes for the affected populations.
_________________________Pakistan has faced recurring floods over the past 75 years, with devastating impacts on land, lives, and the economy. The country has experienced 28 super riverine floods, resulting in extensive damage, loss of life, and economic losses. This study explores the role of various public sector institutions in managing water flows, flood protection infrastructure, and their coordination during floods. Focus is placed on the effectiveness of embankments, particularly along the River Kabul, and the influence of the Indus Water Treaty. By analyzing institutional frameworks, flood management strategies, and challenges in coordination, the research highlights the need for enhanced collaboration, improved early warning systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure. Additionally, the study calls for revising the Indus Water Treaty to better address climate change and water security concerns. The findings provide recommendations for improving flood management through better institutional coordination, advanced water management techniques, and more sustainable funding mechanisms.
_________________________The 2022 floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan, resulted widespread in devastation, affecting approximately 33 million people, with significant loss of life and property. Despite the coordinated efforts of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Rescue 1122, and local police, evacuation and rescue operations faced critical challenges, including poor planning, inadequate early warning systems, and resource limitations. These deficiencies contributed to 311 deaths and 381 injuries in KP. The study highlights the lack of proactive preparedness and the unequal distribution of resources among districts, which exacerbated the crisis. Moreover, security concerns during evacuation, resistance from affected populations, and gaps in governance were significant obstacles. This paper recommends both short-term measures, such as improved early warning systems and resource allocation, and long-term solutions, including merging disaster response agencies and establishing dedicated storage facilities for relief items.
_________________________This study explores the institutionalization of Disaster Mitigation and Management (DM&M) in Pakistan, highlighting the country's vulnerability to natural disasters through statistical evidence. It examines the historical evolution of DM&M institutions, dividing the analysis into pre-2005 and post-2005 periods, with a focus on challenges, gaps, and issues within the institutional framework. The research utilizes both primary (interviews with officials and experts) and secondary (policies, legislation, research literature) data. Findings reveal a lack of proactive DM&M strategies since 1947, with a reactive approach remaining the main challenge. The study identifies overlapping institutional mandates, poor coordination, and capacity issues in financial, technical, and human resources. It offers policy recommendations for a more effective, efficient DM&M framework, especially post-18th amendment, and advocates for institutional reforms at national and provincial levels.
_________________________Flood vulnerability in Pakistan, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is influenced by both natural factors and human activities. Proximity to rivers, monsoon rains, and glacier melting contribute to flooding, while human induced issues, such as encroachments on riverbanks, urbanization, and mismanagement, exacerbate the situation. The growing population in floodplains reduces the carrying capacity of rivers, increasing flood risks. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, human settlements along rivers like Indus, Kabul, and Swat have disturbed the natural flow of waterways, leading to environmental imbalances. The 2022 floods highlighted the consequences of unchecked encroachment, poor governance, and institutional inefficiencies. Addressing this issue requires a coordinated approach, including stricter enforcement of river protection laws, floodplain zoning, and the integration of advanced technologies such as GIS and satellite mapping. Additionally, a unified body for flood risk management, along with active community involvement, is crucial for long-term flood mitigation and reducing economic and human losses from future disasters.
_________________________Between June and August 2022, Pakistan faced catastrophic flooding caused by heavy rains and a combination of riverine, urban, and flash flooding, resulting in an unprecedented disaster. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that around 33 million people were affected, with nearly 8 million displaced, and over 1,739 lives lost. The frequency of such floods has been increasing in recent decades. Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) played a vital role in disaster relief, particularly in the rescue and recovery phases. This qualitative study investigates how CSOs contributed to flood-affected areas, revealing that their response time was generally quicker than that of the government. However, their involvement in the mitigation and rehabilitation phases remains limited. The findings of this study are valuable for policymakers, NGOs/INGOs, Civil Society, and all stakeholders engaged in disaster management, risk reduction, and long-term recovery planning.
_________________________Agriculture is the largest sector of the economy, contributing 24% of GDP, and supports the livelihoods of both urban and rural populations. It plays a critical role in economic growth, food security, job creation, and poverty reduction. The recent floods, particularly in Sindh Province, have severely impacted agriculture, with standing crops destroyed due to prolonged water stagnation. An estimated 2 million acres of land, or 80% of the country’s agricultural area, have been affected. This disaster has resulted in significant financial losses and food insecurity, especially due to damage to wheat crops, which are essential for household consumption. Although relief efforts were initiated, better coordination between federal and provincial governments could have alleviated the situation further. Key issues, including inadequate flood mitigation strategies, poor infrastructure maintenance, and lack of water storage solutions, highlight systemic gaps. The post-flood rehabilitation phase is underway, aiming to address these shortcomings.
_________________________Pakistan, ranked as the eighth most vulnerable country to climate change, faces significant ecological and meteorological challenges despite contributing minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions. The nation experiences extreme weather patterns, including severe flooding, erratic rainfall, and high summer temperatures, impacting its agricultural sector, which constitutes 21% of the GDP. Climate change-related disasters, like the 2022 floods, have resulted in immense economic losses, pushing millions below the poverty line. Pakistan’s climate response includes a National Climate Change Policy (NCCP 2012), yet its implementation remains in inadequate, especially concerning mitigation and adaptation strategies. Despite opportunities from international climate financing mechanisms like the Paris Accord and the $100 billion Green Climate Fund, Pakistan struggles to leverage these resources effectively due to institutional and policy gaps. This study explores Pakistan’s climate change policies, institutional frameworks post-18th Constitutional Amendment, and disaster management strategies, emphasizing the need for robust action to integrate climate change into national development and financial planning.
________________________The unprecedented flooding in Pakistan during June August 2022, which affected 33 million people, exacerbated existing poverty and economic challenges. The floods devastated key sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, and housing, leading to reduced GDP growth and increased inflation. Rural and urban poverty, worsened by the impacts of climate change and multiple concurrent in crises, require urgent interventions. Recommendations for poverty reduction focus on improving rural infrastructure, enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting non-farm sectors, and fostering social mobilization. In urban areas, public private partnerships, labor-intensive industries, and increased education budgets are vital to reduce poverty. Long-term strategies include fostering climate-resilient agriculture, attracting foreign aid, and improving governance through better coordination between federal and provincial governments. These actions aim to mitigate the economic downturn and restore livelihoods, emphasizing the need for effective disaster recovery and sustainable development.
________________________In the aftermath of the 2022 floods, the Health Department adopted a three-pronged strategy to address the crisis: restoring health facilities, coordinating with partners for a collective response, and monitoring disease outbreaks. As a signatory to the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005, a collective response to outbreaks was necessary, leading to collaboration with organizations like WHO, UNICEF, and ICRC. Health facility clusters were established, and the government’s strategy focused on Prevention, Detection, and Response. The department set up Provincial Disease Surveillance and Response Units (PDSRUs) and District Disease Surveillance and Response Units (DDSRUs) under the supervision of the DGHS and Deputy Commissioner. These units aimed to provide rapid action in case of outbreaks. This paper evaluates the operational gaps in health department responses, including monitoring, damage assessment, and surveillance of diseases. It critically examines leadership tenures and response effectiveness, offering conclusions and recommendations for improving health department operations.