Floods in pakistan

Eassay Outline

1. Introduction
2. Floods during the last three years
3. Causes & effects
4. Relief efforts
5. Conclusion

The problem of f1ods in Pakistan is not new as it dates back to the year of independence 1947 when the first major flood hit Pakistan. Since then ten more floods of even greater magnitude have caused heaps of destruction in the country taking the lives of millions of people and leaving billions of them homeless. However, the latest floods during the last three years were the most devastating which damaged the infrastructure and economy of the country.

The 2010 Pakistan floods began in late July 2010, resulting from 4eavy monsoon rains in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, Punjab and Baluchistan regions of Pakistan and affected the Indus River basin. Approximately one- fifth of Pakistan’s total land area was underwater, approximately 796,095 square kilometers (307,374 sq mi). According to the government data the floods directly affected about 20 million people, mostly by destruction of property, livelihood and infrastructure, with a death toll of close to 2,000.

The 2011 Sindh floods began during the Pakistani monsoon season in mid-August 2011, resulting from heavy monsoon rains in Sindh, eastern Baluchistan, and southern Punjab. The floods caused considerable damage; an estimated 434 civilians were killed, with 5.3 million people and 1,524,773 homes affected. Sindh is a fertile region and often called the “breadbasket” of the country; the damage and toll of the floods on the local agrarian economy was extensive. At least 1.7 million acres of Arabic land was inundated as a result of the flooding.

With the country already facing power shortages, the floods added to the misery as 10000 transmission lines and transformers were crushed resulting in an approximate power shortage. The floods also had an adverse impact on the health of the population in the flood affected areas spreading diseases.

The relief aid was substantial from foreign countries. The worldwide donations were approximately $687 million and $324 million were guaranteed in uncommitted assurances. The spirit of the locals of the country was astounding as each individual stepped forward to help his fellow citizens in times of need. Contributions by people were collected by Eidhi, Imran Khan and various NGOs. The floods received extensive media coverage due to which many of the celebrities also got forward to help collect funds for the flood relief. Various programs were aired on channels in which celebrities from the showbiz and sports appealed for contributions. Although the floods in Pakistan brought high volumes of devastation for the country it also lightened up a spirit of patriotism and humanity in the people.