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Global news has been dominated by the devastating floods in Pakistan that have affected over 33 million people. Heavy monsoon rains, raging rivers and melting glaciers have submerged nearly a third of Pakistan, making the country look like a sea, even though the water is receding.
ADPC speaks with Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Nadeem Ahmed about the rising impacts of climate-induced disasters in Pakistan and how it’s reshaping the country’s future in terms of adaptation and resilience.
Comparing the 2022 and 2010 Pakistan floods, the 2010 disaster affected 20 million people, with international relief of about $1.6 billion. The response was relatively swift. In contrast, the 2022 floods affected an estimated 33 million people and suffered from a delayed response due to the sudden and widespread nature of the catastrophe.
Factors contributing to the 2022 floods included glacial melt, precipitation, and hill torrents, which took authorities by surprise. While the government had established institutions like the National Disaster Management Authority and the National Disaster Risk Management Fund since the 2010 floods, their implementation has been slow.
The need to proactively manage climate-induced disasters was emphasized, with a call for the strengthening of Provincial Disaster Management Authorities and District Disaster Management Authorities to enhance risk reduction and climate adaptation efforts.
Panelist:
Lieutenant-General (Retired) Nadeem Ahmed is the former Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Pakistan, who led the relief and response operation during the 2010 floods. He was also instrumental in establishing Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Fund (NDRMF).
Read a transcript of his interview here.
The discussion is moderated by Ms. Vidya Rana, Senior Communications Manager, ADPC
