United Nations Asks Pakistan to Strengthen Its Natural Disaster Strategies

ISLAMABAD- Pakistan is currently facing natural disasters like flooding in Gilgit-Baltistan. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) called on Pakistan to strengthen its natural disaster strategies to protect the country from any future vulnerabilities.

PMD forecasts severe weather conditions:

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has already predicted severe weather conditions in the country. It predicted heavy monsoon rains, flash floods, glacial lake outburst floods, and landslides in the vulnerable regions.

In many reports by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), it is highlighted that Pakistan is among the countries facing natural disasters. UNOCHA has shown positivity over PMD forecasts in the country.

The report shows that Pakistan’s geographical location and its exposure to extreme weather conditions lead to earthquakes, floods, landslides, droughts, and other hazards. It also shows that Pakistan’s security issues, political unrest, and regional instability are also playing a major role in the country’s weather vulnerabilities.

UNOCHA urgent appeal to Pakistan:

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) urgently appealed to Pakistan’s management team to adopt strategies that will help to alleviate the natural disaster risk. It also asks to bolster community resilience and the early warning system so the country will be saved from any future vulnerability.

The report says, “Floods are among the most recurring and damaging disasters, affecting millions of people each year. The devastating 2022 floods alone impacted over 30 million people, causing economic losses equivalent to nearly six per cent of the national GDP.” 

Due to the extreme weather conditions and the climatic change in the region, Pakistan is entangled in multiple other challenges like disrupted agricultural cycle, rising sea levels, and droughts that cause water shortages and damage agricultural land and livestock.

Another monsoon spell expected:

Pakistan is expecting another spell of monsoon rains starting from 14 August to 22 August. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has issued a warning of urban flooding in the country’s upper region. The prediction has increased the concerns of landslides, flash floods, and glacial land flooding in the country.