Cloudburst catastrophes and climate crisis: A wake-up call for Pakistan – The Financial Daily

In recent days, Pakistan has witnessed a disturbing surge in natural calamities triggered by cloudbursts and unusually heavy rainfall, particularly in the scenic northern regions such as Swat, Babusar, Kaghan, and Chilas. These breathtaking valleys, usually abuzz with tourists during the summer season, have turned into zones of destruction. Floods have washed away roads, bridges, vehicles, and even homes, while precious lives have been lost or put at risk.

This is not merely a weather event-it is a serious humanitarian crisis. While nature’s fury is beyond our control, preparedness and awareness can reduce the scale of destruction. This article explores the root causes, scientific differences between heavy rains and cloudbursts, and lays down the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders-from the government to local people and the tourists themselves.

Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, is among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change, according to the Global Climate Risk Index. Areas like Swat and Kaghan, which are known for moderate seasonal rain, are now receiving torrential downpours within minutes-something previously unseen. These abrupt and intense events are part of the emerging climate crisis that is disrupting established environmental patterns.

Difference Between Heavy Rain and Cloudburst: It is vital to understand the difference between heavy rainfall and a cloudburst to grasp the scale and speed of destruction:

Heavy Rain typically refers to rainfall exceeding 7.5 mm per hour. While intense, it usually occurs over a broader area and for a longer duration.

Cloudburst, however, is a localized weather phenomenon where more than 100 mm of rain falls in under an hour in a very limited area-often just a few kilometers wide. It resembles a bucket of water being poured from the sky and causes flash floods, landslides, and massive devastation in a matter of minutes.

These sudden bursts can destroy everything in their path-especially in mountainous areas where rivers and streams swell rapidly. Vehicles parked near riverbeds, makeshift tents, and even sturdy buildings can be washed away before any warning.

Government Responsibilities: Managing Crisis and Preventing Loss: The government, both federal and provincial, bears a heavy responsibility in managing such natural disasters. Prevention, preparedness, and rapid response are key elements that can save lives and infrastructure.

1. Early Warning Systems: Authorities must invest in advanced weather forecasting technologies and ensure real-time data sharing with local administrations and the public. Alerts via SMS, sirens, and apps can help prevent unnecessary travel into vulnerable zones.

2. Infrastructure Development: Roads, bridges, and drains in tourist areas should be built using flood-resistant technology. Existing infrastructure needs urgent upgrading to withstand extreme weather.

3. Tourism Regulation: In peak seasons, especially during July and August, tourist entry should be regulated based on weather forecasts. Permits may be issued after verifying local conditions.

4. Evacuation and Rescue Preparedness: Disaster response units like the NDMA, PDMA, Army Engineering Corps, and Rescue 1122 must remain on high alert. Helicopters and boats should be pre-positioned near vulnerable zones during monsoon periods.

5. Temporary Shelters and Relief Camps: Authorities should create designated safe zones and relief camps with access to medical care, food, and bedding for those stranded due to floods or landslides.

6. Roadside Checkposts and Guidance Centers: Police, tourism departments, and rescue units should jointly set up booths to warn, educate, and guide tourists on safe paths and dangers.

Tourist Responsibilities: Travel Smart, Stay Safe: Tourists, while seeking nature’s beauty, must realize they are entering potentially risky zones during the monsoon. Their awareness and preparedness are as important as government response.

1. Check Weather Forecasts: Before planning a trip, tourists must check weather conditions and advisories issued by the Met Office or NDMA. Avoiding travel during forecasted storms can save lives.

2. Avoid Riverbeds and Unpaved Trails: Parking vehicles near water streams or camping on low-lying lands is extremely dangerous during monsoon.

3. Travel with Emergency Supplies: Tourists should keep dry food, first-aid kits, extra clothing, power banks, and emergency contact numbers handy. It’s not just about enjoyment-it’s about survival.

4. Heed Local Advice: Ignoring local warnings or continuing travel against advisory may lead to getting trapped in high-risk zones. Locals often know danger signs long before outsiders do.

5. Inform Someone: Tourists should always inform a relative or hotel manager about their travel route and expected time of return. This allows quicker rescue if something goes wrong.

6. Respect Limits: When authorities stop vehicles or evacuate areas, tourists must cooperate. Arguments or delay can endanger not only their lives but also those of rescue workers.

The Role of Local Communities: Guardians of the Valleys: Local residents are the first line of defense in natural disasters. Their early warning, rescue efforts, and hospitality have saved countless tourists in the past-and they remain vital in the face of current disasters.

1. Spreading Awareness: Locals must act as guides and advisors. Informing visitors about weather risks, dangerous zones, and safety routes can prevent casualties.

2. Rescue Assistance: In many cases, before official rescue teams arrive, locals use tractors, jeeps, or boats to save stranded tourists. They risk their own lives to help others and deserve full appreciation and support.

3. Food and Shelter Provision: During calamities, locals often open their homes, offer food, warm clothes, and emotional support to tourists. These acts of generosity define Pakistan’s humanity and culture.

4. Organizing Volunteer Teams: Youth groups in tourist regions should be trained in first aid and rescue operations. Local mosques, community centers, and schools can serve as training hubs and temporary shelters.

5. Communication with Authorities: Locals must keep open lines of communication with the administration and report landslides, blocked roads, or missing tourists immediately.

Conclusion: Facing the Storm Together: The recent cloudbursts and torrential rains are another reminder that nature’s fury, intensified by climate change, is becoming a new normal. Swat, Babusar, Chilas, and Kaghan-once safe heavens for tourists-now sit on climate fault lines. Yet, the crisis also highlights the spirit of resilience and unity among Pakistanis.

From helicopter rescues by the army to villagers cooking meals for stranded families, from rescue teams in flooded tunnels to anonymous donors sending dry rations-the nation has stood together.

However, we cannot continue to rely only on emergency response. A long-term climate adaptation strategy, coupled with better infrastructure and tourist education, is needed urgently. Government must lead, but citizens-tourists and locals alike-must share responsibility.

Only by walking together, learning from every storm, and preparing for the next, can we protect lives, livelihoods, and the majestic beauty of our northern regions.