Punjab on High Alert: Recurring Floods, Old Destructions and Climate Change Shadow the Future

Punjab — which was once famous as the “food storehouse of India–Pakistan” — is once again at the risk of a major flood. Heavy monsoon rains and rivers have started overflowing. The same cycle every year – flood alerts, people leaving their homes, drowning their crops – has now become a routine for people. But the question is, how prepared are we to fight this? And in the coming time, when such extreme weather will become common due to climate change, what will we do then?

**India-Pakistan both sides on alert**

In Pakistani Punjab, PDMA has warned people living on the banks of Sutlej, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum and their smaller rivers – there will be more heavy rain and heavy downpour of water in the next few days. The biggest fear is that India releases water from its big dams, which can lead to further floods in the Pakistani areas below. At this time, water from Bhakra, Pong and Thein dams is being closely monitored.

The situation is the same in Indian Punjab – control rooms have been activated in every district, water from rivers is being checked in real-time, and precautions have been taken in vulnerable areas. Some places are already on alert due to the release of water from Pong dam.

**Punjab has an old friendship with floods**

The truth is that floods are not a new guest here. Geography, weather and lack of planning by humans – all together make Punjab flood-prone. The name itself “Punjab” – the land of five rivers – has always been accompanied by water.

The major reasons for floods are:

* **Tez monsoon rain** – Now the rain falls very heavily in a very short time, drainage systems fail.

The main reason for floods in Pakistan is climate change.

heavy moon soon rain: one of the main reasons for the flood in

Pakistan is in the monsoon season, during which season, which starts

From July to September, Pakistan experiences significant rainfall. As a

result of heavy rain, water overflows into cities and villages.

Glacier melting is also a contributing factor to the heavy flooding in Pakistan. In the

northern area of Pakistan, there are many glaciers. Where temperature rising

Day by Day, the amount of water in the river is increasing.

River overflows: another reason for heavy floods in Pakistan is

large rivers like the Chenab, Indus, Jhelum, Ravi, Sutlej and Beas.

It can overflow when heavy rains occur.

Dam water releases: whenever dams get full in Pakistan or India, the extra water is released

for safety measures.

Poor drainage system: In many cities in Pakistan, the drainage system is poor.

Heavy rain can easily turn the roads into rivers.

The biggest flood of 1988 in Pakistan

In the year 1988, the most horrific and devastating flood

occurred in the history of Punjab, Pakistan.

The heavy rain from the sky has been going on for four days without any break.

On the other hand, a heavy amount of water from the Bhakra pond dams

was released. It was a horrific tragedy.

There were more than 9,000 villages that were destroyed.

Approximately 3.5 people got affected.

**Hand of climate change**

Now even research is saying that the frequency and intensity of floods is increasing. Sometimes in July it rains 43% more than normal, sometimes less during the year. There is also a high risk of increased water in rivers due to melting of Himalayan glaciers. IPCC has warned that heavy rainfall and frequent floods will become normal in the coming time.

**Loss is not just of money**

* **Destruction of agriculture** – crops get destroyed, animals die, irrigation system gets destroyed.

* **Infrastructure damage** – roads, bridges get destroyed.

* **Health crisis** – dirty water, diseases (diarrhea, cholera, dengue, malaria), and mental trauma.

* **Human stories** — People leave their homes and go to relief camps, women and children are more vulnerable.

**Efforts of governments and agencies**

In both countries, PDMA/NDMA handle flood forecasting, alert and rescue operations. Early warning, evacuation, relief camps, rescue teams, and financial compensation are given. But coordination and speed are still lacking.

**Way forward**

* Floodplain zoning, strengthening embankments, improving drainage systems.

* Promote climate-resilient farming.

* Stop illegal construction.

* Improve India–Pakistan water data sharing.

* Provide training and resources to local communities.

**Bottom line**

— For Punjab, floods are no longer a “occasional” problem but have become a “every yearly” challenge. If we do not start planning from today, tomorrow we will be caught in a race to save ourselves. We will not have to fight with water but will have to learn to live with water with understanding.