INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Is Karachi prepared for the first monsoon spellThe residents of Karachi have for the longest time been
inflicted with a water crisis and gradually it is becoming a water starved city, on the brink of running out
With escalating temperatures and heatwaves hitting at shorter intervals and for longer periods of time, rain seems to be the only respite
and Karachiites are praying desperately for it
But the irony is that, when it finally rains it brings with it, a plethora of disasters for a metropolis that is simply not prepped for it
With rain comes a host of issues like drainage problems, gridlocks, road accidents, water contamination, electrical outages, collapsing
buildings, urban flooding and one of the most common, electrocution
The city of an expected population of more than 16 million people, according to the World Population Review 2016, has been massively ignored
season.This leads to the untimely demise of many people every year, but it seems that the recurring tragedies have made the authorities
seemingly immune to the lurking dangers that might strike once again
than 230 people losing their lives and well over 200 injured
several motorcyclists slipping, overflowing drain water flowing into houses or incidents of electrocution
Some 164 people have been killed, 167 others injured and 440 houses destroyed in separated rain-related incidents in the monsoon season in
June 2017 across Pakistan according to official statements by the Pakistani disaster management authorities
From other sources, it is learnt that last year in August alone, 30 people died due to electrocution or roof collapse triggered by the
monsoon rains in Karachi with at least one death caused by an uprooted billboard
A majority of deaths in Pakistan during the rains are in fact preventable yet the issue is taken far too lightly with all related parties
shoving off the responsibility to the other
The main reason that leads to incidents of electrocution are the Kundas (illegal electrical connections)
People should be made aware, how these faulty connections are digging a disaster for themselves
Additionally, since illegal electrical connections are now declared a crime, the police should enforce it by raiding areas where it is used
and shutting them off, before the rains
condition and drivers are licensed
functioning and was disappointed by the Water Board for failing to fulfill its responsibility of cleaning the drains
flooding streets and houses and becoming a major hazard for the citizens
the monsoon season and that there are many stakeholders who need to take action
The stagnant water accumulated on the roads and the overflowing drains fall in the jurisdiction of KWSB
Even though the monsoon season is already here, with multiple forecasts of rain by the Pakistan Meteorological Department and mild showers,
most of the storm water drains that number to over 500, have still not been cleared of garbage
the repeated incidents enough for the authorities to stop pointing fingers and spur into action The government, Municipality, Karachi
Metropolitan Authority, Cantonment Board, Karachi Electric, Police, Traffic Police, Pakistan Disaster Management Authority, and Karachi
Water and Sewage Board should join hands to prepare the city for rains that could hit any day
It is the joint responsibility off all stakeholders and entities to check their systems, repair and manage a smooth running of their
respective operations, in order to prevent any incidents and the loss of precious lives.The time to educate the masses and to take
preventive measures is now, before any calamity is caused
The media should also pitch in and take responsibility of running intensive awareness campaigns, to inform people about how to prevent from
hazards caused by rain and the measures that should be taken, if they are faced with such a situation
At an individual level it should be made sure that all electrical fixtures, devices, circuit breakers, fuses, outlet plugs, generators, UPS
and connections in residences and commercial areas are functioning properly and prepared to handle rain
Additionally, it should also be checked that all drains and manholes are covered, hoardings are firmly fixed, street lamps are installed
properly, and sewage system is functioning properly
Paying special attention to traffic rules is also eminent, as many accidents take place on the roads due to wet roads and other hazards
Motorcyclists should maintain a safe speed while driving and never drive without helmets.The city is also in need of a help-line, which can
quickly dispatch trained personnel who are equipped to deal with all rain related issues, throughout the day
A force that can prevent, manage and resolve issues for the public
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) or Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has the capacity and resources for this
Before the first downpour hits Karachi and washes away the cloak that is hiding its rundown infrastructure, inefficient planning and
negligent authorities, it is imminent that we consolidate our efforts
The government, stakeholders and the community should stand together and repair all discrepancies, so that the rain remains a blessing and
relief for the Karachiites and not the bringer of destruction and devastation.
