Rain deluge

Pakistan is ransacked by devastating rains that are pouring in from coast to coast and has not spared anyone. This severe monsoon is going on for the last two weeks and does not show signs of getting over. Particular severity of monsoon was witnessed in Sindh that received 625 per cent more rainfall than the 30-year average and Balochistan that received 501 per cent more rainfall. The current torrential monsoon was vastly above normal monsoon season and was triggered by global warming and now the concerns are expressed about the incidents of flash floods and glacial lake outburst floods. It is recorded that the economic losses suffered by Pakistan due to global warming are estimated to be 9.2 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP). This percentage is highest in the region and may well impede economic performance even more. The ravages caused by the incessant rainfall have been felt all through the country causing tremendous harm to both urban and rural areas. The most affected areas were unplanned urban areas where life has virtually come to a standstill. All allied civic services have completely broken down adding to the miseries of the citizenry. The need for rectifying the situation is paramount now. TW