ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is increasingly vulnerable to the devastating impacts of climate change, with 224 extreme natural disasters recorded in the last 44 years, according to an official government document.
This comprehensive report paints a grim picture of the country’s struggle against escalating environmental threats, revealing the severe toll these disasters have taken on both human lives and the national economy.
FLOODS
Among the most frequent and destructive natural disasters in Pakistan have been floods. Since 1980, the country has faced 109 major flood incidents, leading to an estimated loss of $36.4 billion. The number of floods has spiked notably since the early 2000s, with 24 severe flood events occurring between 2005 and 2009 alone. In total, over 34.9 million people have been affected by riverine floods, which have resulted in damages exceeding $9.72 billion. Flash floods, too, have been particularly deadly, claiming 3,630 lives and causing additional losses of $10.18 billion.
HEATWAVES
Pakistan has also experienced a dramatic increase in the frequency of heatwaves, which have now become one of the deadliest natural disasters in the country. Thirteen heatwave events have taken the lives of 2,741 people in recent years, and their occurrence continues to rise, posing a significant risk to public health. The rapid increase in heatwaves is a direct consequence of the broader climate crisis, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and creating new challenges for the nation.
CYCLONES AND DROUGHTS
The impact of tropical cyclones in Pakistan cannot be overlooked. Five such storms have caused approximately $1.7 billion in damage over the past few decades. Meanwhile, droughts have also taken a severe toll on the country, particularly affecting water supply and agriculture. Two major droughts have impacted nearly 6.9 million people, causing losses of more than $247 million.
LANDSLIDES AND AVALANCHES
Pakistan’s mountainous regions are no strangers to landslides and avalanches, which have claimed hundreds of lives and caused widespread destruction. A staggering 580 avalanches and 222 landslides have led to numerous casualties, although the financial impact of these disasters remains less quantifiable.
NEED FOR CLIMATE ACTION
The official reports underscore the urgent need for Pakistan to bolster its climate resilience and adapt to the rapidly changing environmental conditions. As climate change continues to worsen, the country faces an increasingly perilous future, with the likelihood of more frequent and intense natural disasters becoming a harsh reality. Experts warn that unless substantial investment is made in disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation strategies, the economic and human costs will continue to rise exponentially.
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