Tag: floods

  • Libya floods: 3,000 dead, 10,000 missing

    Libya floods: 3,000 dead, 10,000 missing

    Around 3,000 people have died while 10,000 are missing and 20,000 people have been displaced since heavy floods have hit eastern Libya, multiple international news outlets have said.

    Aid is being sent to Benghazi via plane carrying 14 tonnes of supplies and medical personnel even though the hard-hit areas are still difficult to reach.

    Additionally, relief convoys are being sent from west to east in divided Libya as the eastern region has been deemed a disaster zone by the internationally recognised Tripoli government.

    However, according to Al-Jazeera, “Authorities have struggled to reach Derna, because roads leading to the city are destroyed or cut off by flooding.” Moreover, communications with the city have been broken off, hindering information collection on casualties and damage.

    According to the Benghazi administration, more than 1,000 bodies have been recovered from the Mediterranean city of Derna.

    Storm Daniel

    Storm Daniel hit eastern Libya on Monday, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Two dams on the Wadi Derna River were destroyed and consequently, millions of cubic metres of water swept through the area.

    Al-Jazeera also spoke with National Council on Libya-US Relations who stated that “About 4sq km [1.5sq miles] at the heart of the city have been eroded completely.”

    Moreover, Tamer Ramadan, a member of International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies delegation to Libya, referred to the issue of dealing with the flood that is “beyond the capabilities of the government, of the national society, of the people” and that assistance from international actors would be needed.

    Benghazi Minister of Civil Aviation Hichem Chkiouat managed to visit Derna and spoke with Reuters, “Bodies are lying everywhere – in the sea, in the valleys, under the buildings.”

    “I am not exaggerating when I say that 25 percent of the city has disappeared,” he added.

  • Will your city get monsoon rain in the next four days?

    According to the Met Department, monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea are likely to penetrate the upper parts of the country from Tuesday night, whereas a westerly wave is also likely to enter these areas today.

    Under the influence of these systems, rain and wind-thunderstorms are expected in different parts of Kashmir, including Neelum, Muzaffarabad, Poonch, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Sudhanoti, Kotli, Bhimber and Mirpur.

    A warning has also been issued for different parts of Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Lahore, Kasur, Sheikhupura, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Kohistan, Abbottabad, Haripur, Kohat, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi and Nowshera from August 23 to 27 with occasional gaps.

    Rain and thunder showers are also expected in Kurram, Lakki Marwat, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, Karak, Waziristan, Mianwali, Sargodha, Khushab, Faisalabod, Toba To Singh, Jhang and Bhakkar from 24th to 26th August. While in Dera Ghaz Khan, Ramrour, Musa Khel, Barkhan, Zhob, Kalat, Khuzdar on 25th and 26th August.

    The warning stated that moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to increase the water flows in local nullahs/streams of Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, Buner, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Mardan, Nowshera, Swabi, Galliyat, Murree, Rawalpindi/Islamabad from August 23 to 25.

    Moreover, moderate to heavy rains may cause urban flooding in the low-lying areas of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Peshawar, and Lahore as well as may trigger landslides in the vulnerable areas of Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan and hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the wet spell.

  • PDMA warns of medium to high-level flood in Sutlej

    PDMA warns of medium to high-level flood in Sutlej

    The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported that River Sutlej’s water level has surged, resulting in minor flooding at Ganda Singh Wala. The current water discharge at the Ganda Singh Point is 73,000 cusecs, according to the PDMA website.

    Authorities from the PDMA have issued a statement stating that water levels at Ganda Singh Wala might increase to the level of moderate to high floods. The spokesperson further added that India might release more water into the river by August 20.
    PDMA shared that Indian authorities released 141,000 cusec water from Pong Dam and 83,703 cusec from Bhakra Dam in the Sutlej. Expectedly 125,000 cusec waters would enter Pakistani territory from Hari-ke-Pattan and a high-level flood is predicted at Ganda Singh.

    The PDMA has issued instructions to the deputy commissioners of Bahawalnagar, Kasur, Okara, Pakpattan, and Vehari to prepare in case an emergency arises.

    India released a significant amount of water in July and early August which destroyed thousands of acres of crops. The water level in the Sutlej River has been fluctuating at a low-level flood since last month resulting in the destruction of houses and forcing the villagers living near the border area to evacuate.

  • NDMA warns of potential high level of flooding in Sutlej

    NDMA warns of potential high level of flooding in Sutlej

    The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning stating that the Ganda Singhwala area along the Sutlej River may experience a medium to high level of flooding within the next 24 to 48 hours, Dawn has reported.

    The NDMA advised the administration of flood-prone areas, particularly in the Trimmu area of the river Chenab and Jassar area of the river Ravi, to remain vigilant until July 20.

    In a weather advisory released on Wednesday, it is predicted that scattered thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall may occur in Islamabad and Punjab, including the upper catchments of the major rivers in the Indus River System. These weather conditions could potentially lead to medium to high-level flooding in the Sutlej River at Ganda Singhwala.

    The period from July 14 to 16 is expected to bring scattered to widespread thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in isolated areas within the upper catchments of the major rivers in the Indus River System, added the report.

  • Here are some tips to remember as Cyclone Biparjoy reaches Karachi

    Here are some tips to remember as Cyclone Biparjoy reaches Karachi

    Authorities in Karachi are on high alert as Geo reported today that residents of Defence Housing Authority have been warned to take precautionary measures after Cyclone Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea moves closer to the coast.

    Residents are being advised to keep their basements and windows shut and call DHA helpline 1092 in case of any emergency.

    A a list of requirements in case of emergency has also been shared on their Twitter account.

    As authorities prepare for the worse, citizens of Karachi on Twitter are sending each other advise in order to help prepare in case the worst situation happens. Twitter user Sabah Bano Malik began this trend when she asked her followers what things to keep in mind as the cyclone approaches the city:

    “As someone whose never experienced a cyclone what do I do,” she wrote.

    Whether it is having a prepared kit or stocking up, Karachi citizens came forward with the best tips:

    https://twitter.com/whereizmydeath/status/1667939730250686464?s=20
  • World Bank commits $213 million for Balochistan’s flood recovery and climate resilience

    World Bank commits $213 million for Balochistan’s flood recovery and climate resilience

    The Board of Executive Directors of the World Bank has granted $213 million in funding to Balochistan for the purpose of improving livelihoods, essential services, and risk protection in communities that were affected by the devastating floods in 2022.

    This financial assistance is part of a larger program established in collaboration with the government to address the aftermath of the floods and build a climate-resilient Pakistan.

    Najy Benhassine, the World Bank Country Director for Pakistan, expressed the organization’s commitment to closely cooperate with the Government of Balochistan in supporting the affected communities. The World Bank aims to provide livelihood support and rehabilitate irrigation and flood protection infrastructure.

    These efforts will not only restore the livelihoods of the affected population but also enhance their resilience to potential future climate-related disasters and natural hazards. The project aligns with the comprehensive package of post-flood rehabilitation and resilient reconstruction program agreed upon with the authorities.

    The floods of the previous year were a result of record monsoon rains in the southern and southwestern regions of Pakistan, compounded by glacial melt in the northern areas. The calamity affected nearly 33 million people in the country, which has a population of 220 million. Tragically, the floods claimed over 1,700 lives and caused substantial damage to homes, crops, bridges, roads, and livestock.

    The Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project (IFRAP) outlined by the World Bank will provide housing reconstruction grants to approximately 35,100 homeowners. It will also focus on restoring essential services by rehabilitating damaged community infrastructure and facilities, such as water supply systems, irrigation networks, roads, and community facilities.

    Balochistan, with its geographical location, socioeconomic background, and vulnerability to climate change, faces significant risks from natural disasters. Yoro Sidibe, a Senior Water Specialist at the World Bank, emphasized that the project aims to provide economic opportunities to the affected communities while ensuring social inclusion and participation. Additionally, it will enhance institutional capacity for preparedness and response to future disasters.

    The World Bank expects that the Integrated Flood Resilience and Adaptation Project will benefit approximately 2.7 million people in selected communities across Balochistan’s calamity-declared districts. The project’s objectives include the restoration of degraded watersheds and the strengthening of institutional capacity at both the provincial and local levels.

  • Cotton production in Pakistan drops to 40-year low due to flood damage

    Cotton production in Pakistan drops to 40-year low due to flood damage

    According to data released by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA), cotton production in the country has decreased by 34 per cent this year compared to the previous season. The final figures for the crop year 2022-23 show that Pakistan produced 4,912,069 bales, which is the lowest in around four decades, as opposed to 7,441,833 bales produced in the 2021-22 season, resulting in a year-on-year decline of 2,528,764 bales or a 34 per cent loss.

    This drop in production means that the textile industry will have to import around 10 million bales to meet its annual demand of 15 million bales. However, mill consumption in the year 2022-23 has also been reported at 8.8 million bales, the lowest in over 20 years, primarily due to severe import financing issues.

    Market sources state that textile mills have so far signed import agreements for 5.5 million bales, while they have purchased 4,605,449 bales from the local market. Last year, the mills had bought 7,332,000 bales from the domestic market. Ginners report that they are still holding 301,720 bales in their stocks, compared to last year’s inventory of 93,833 bales.

    The massive drop in cotton arrival is blamed on flash floods and heavy rains during last year’s monsoon that devastated large swathes of agricultural land in the country, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan provinces.

    Interestingly, despite strong demand in international markets, only 4,900 bales of white lint were exported this year, compared to the previous year’s figure of 11,000 bales, a fall of over 69 per cent. The main destinations for Pakistan’s raw cotton are the Philippines, Italy, Bangladesh, Greece, and France.

    Province-wise, Punjab registered over a 32 per cent year-on-year decline in output, producing 3,033,050 bales this season against 3,928,690 bales last season. Sindh reported over a 46 per cent year-on-year loss in yield, with the lint production in the province this year standing at 1,879,019 bales against 3,513,143 bales last year.

    Pakistan’s cotton output reached a high of 14.1 million bales in the year 2004-05. But it dropped to 7 million bales in 2020-21 and about 9.45 million bales in 2021-22, as the country’s per acre yield contracted to half of the crop productivity in other countries of the region.

    A recent meeting of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) expressed concern over the continuous decline in cotton production and acreage over the years. As a result, the ECC approved Rs8,500 per 40kg as the intervention price on a summary submitted by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to attract growers towards the crop.

    The ministry informed the ECC that in order to draw up a cotton intervention price proposal, consultations were held with all stakeholders, including the provincial governments, growers, and cotton associations in January and February. Stakeholders, including the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association, called for pegging the cotton intervention price with the import parity price in line with the policy adopted over the past two years.

    To review market prices and propose intervention on a fortnightly basis, the ECC constituted a cotton price review committee with the mandate to review market prices and propose intervention on a fortnightly basis.

  • Hadiqa Kiani has built 100 homes for flood victims in Balochistan

    Hadiqa Kiani has built 100 homes for flood victims in Balochistan

    After devastating floods wrecked havoc in Sindh and Balochistan in 2022, singer and actor Hadiqa Kiani announced a new initiative ‘Vaseela-E-Rah’ which was set up to provide rehabilitation facilities for flood victims.

    Today, Kiani took to Twitter to proudly share the success of her project, having built over at least a 100 homes, a maternity clinic, grocery store and primary school for children in Balochistan.

    “As many of you know, I have been in Balochistan for the past few days…by the grace of Allah + your support, we have completed the 1st phase of our project. 100 houses are complete and now occupied by flood victims, a maternity clinic, a grocery store and a primary school..”

    The actress further reflected how watching her initiative grow was a blessing, and will continue to put her efforts in providing relief to more flood victims:
    “Coming back to Balochistan & seeing this progress is a blessing and I am so grateful we could play our part. Vaseela-E-Raah was a mission of mine to complete, a promise I made to my mother and to the people of Balochistan, IA we will continue our efforts!”

  • World Bank cuts Pakistan’s GDP growth forecast from 4% to 2%

    World Bank cuts Pakistan’s GDP growth forecast from 4% to 2%

    Due to the unstable economy and floods, the World Bank predicted that Pakistan’s economic growth would drop by half, falling by 4 per cent to 2 per cent, during the current fiscal year.

    According to the Bank’s latest report, “Global Economic Prospects,” Pakistan is experiencing growing economic woes, especially those caused by the recent flooding as well as ongoing policy and political uncertainties.

    “Pakistan faces mounting economic difficulties and Sri Lanka remains in crisis. In all regions, improvements in living standards over the half-decade to 2024 are expected to be slower than from 2010-19,” the World Bank stated in Global Economic Prospects released on Tuesday.

    Pakistan’s currency declined by 14 per cent between June and December, and its national risk premium climbed by 15 per cent over this same time frame due to the nation’s low foreign exchange reserves and rising sovereign risk.

    It went on to say that growth is anticipated to pick up to 3.2 per cent in the fiscal year 2023–24 (FY24), still under previous forecasts, as the country implements policy measures to stabilise macroeconomic conditions, inflationary pressures subside, and reconstruction after the floods gets underway.

    According to the analysis, Pakistan’s recent floods are thought to have cost the country damage equal to 4.8 per cent of GDP.

  • 33 candidates passed away waiting for local govt elections in Sindh

    33 candidates passed away waiting for local govt elections in Sindh

    33 candidates who had filed their nominations for the Local Government (LG) elections in Karachi and Hyderabad passed away waiting for the election to happen.

    The second phase of the local election has been postponed repeatedly.

    According to details provided by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), as many as 12 candidates for Union Council (UC) chairman and vice chairman have died since the time their nomination papers were submitted. Similarly, 22 candidates who were running for the district council, town committee, municipal committee and UC ward members seats also passed away.

    Last year, the ECP had told the Sindh government that the second phase of the LG polls in Karachi and Hyderabad would be held on July 24 but it was postponed due to floods.

    The electoral body rescheduled the LG elections for August 28, 2022 but they were put off again due to the same reason.

    On October 18, 2022, the ECP rescheduled the elections for October 23, 2022, but the provincial government sought their postponement for three months because it had deployed police in flooded areas, due to which it was unable to provide the required level of security to polling stations.

    After repeated delays, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Jamaat-e-Islami moved the Sindh High Court. In November, the ECP announced January 15 as the new date.