The devastating flood situation is gradually improving, as most rivers are flowing normally and the water is going into the Indus River. Both the federal and provincial governments are trying every possible way to drain the water out in the inundated areas. But, it will take more time to completely clear these areas because of the intensity of the flood. The incumbent government and stakeholders are doing whatever it takes to contain the spread of deadly diseases in the affected areas. The relief operation is continuing in full swing, and we are providing food and medical assistance to the flood hit persons. The people around the world and from Pakistan have shown immense support to provide as much relief as they can to their brothers in need. A meeting is going to be conducted soon to assess and calculate the damages in the flood hit areas to take next action.
The rescue and relief operation in twenty six districts of Balochistan has been completed successfully, while it continues in remaining areas including Jhal Magsi. A Disaster Management Committee has been established, which includes members from NDMA, PDMA, Pak Army and district officials. It is assessing the amount of damages in these areas. The roads wiped out in the flash floods have been repaired and the connectivity to the affected areas has been restored. The rescue teams are now looking for affected people in the major affected areas. In the first phase, relief packages were provided and now rations are being provided to the flood hit people. More flood relief goods have arrived in Pakistan from across the world for flood affectees. Meanwhile, the federal government launched the ‘Digital Flood Dashboard’ of the National Flood Response Coordination Center (NFRCC) aimed at ensuring transparency in relief and rehabilitation efforts. The portal will provide information to the general public and development partners about the flood relief assistance being received from home and abroad as well as its utilization. Earlier, Planning Minster Ahsan Iqbal said that Pakistan was facing with an unprecedented calamity which has affected 33 million people. The damages caused by the floods was being assessed on daily basis with the cooperation of the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, the United Nations and the provincial governments. However, the federal minister said, the final estimates of damage would be available only after water recedes from all parts of Sindh and Balochistan provinces. The digital dashboard will ensure transparency of flood relief items and the whole process of rehabilitation of flood victims. Pakistan despite its meager contribution in the global emission was facing the huge effects of climate change. Pakistani nation has valiantly faced calamities in the past and it will cope with the current one with the same spirit. Still there is a dire need that the whole nation should come forward to help address the miseries of flood-hit people and enhance the relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Tapping Renewable Energy Sources
Some of the major projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are in the renewable energy sector. It is one of the most feasible and economic ways of producing electricity in a country like Pakistan with abundant sunshine. Another cheap source is production of electricity from water. We need to build larger as well as smaller dams to produce electricity, conserve water and also to avert floods. Dams are also an important source of water storage. In addition, wind turbines have also been installed in Sindh that will contribute power to the national grid.
