IN THIS POST
Did you know that the 2010 flooding in Pakistan affected the lives of nearly 20 million individuals? The unprecedented disaster resulted from heavy monsoon rain and killed more than 1,700 people and caused $10 billion worth of loss due to infrastructural and agricultural damage. Unfortunately, the country has experienced at least one major flood every year since then.
The recent spell of torrential rainfall in Karachi and other cities has once again highlighted the serious problem of urban flooding in Pakistan. The rainwater submerged most parts of the metropolitan city, including many posh neighbourhoods and urban settlements, thus disrupting the life of its residents. Moreover, nearly all major roads and highways were flooded, which paralysed the flow of traffic and caused a myriad of serious difficulties. The prolonged electricity outage also did not help the matter.
Unfortunately, Karachi is not the only major urban area that faces flooding every monsoon season. What’s even more troubling is that the phenomenon is bound to become even worse owing to the looming climate crisis.
However, all is not lost. There are several measures that can help cities prevent urban flooding in Pakistan while ensuring the safety of the dwellers. Though before we delve into preventative measures, let’s discuss the definition and causes of urban floodings.
What is Urban Flooding?
Contrary to popular opinion, urban flooding is not just ‘flooding that affects a developed area.’ Instead, it is defined as the inundation of land in an urban settlement or a densely populated area caused by heavy rainfall. It takes place when the excessive runoff overwhelms the capacity of drainage systems, leaving the water with nowhere to go.
It is also important to understand that urban flooding can affect all types of areas, including rundown neighbourhoods and upscale gated communities. However, areas with poor infrastructure and unsatisfactory urban development practices are more likely to experience this problem.
On a side note, don’t forget to check out our safety tips against flooding to keep you and your family safe.
Major Causes of Urban Flooding in Pakistan
Urban floods in Pakistan are usually caused by a combination of the following factors:
Meteorological Factors
Heavy rainfall is among the main causes of urban flooding in most regions across the country, along with other extreme weather conditions such as thunderstorms and hurricanes.
Hydrological Factors
The improper drainage system paired with the occurrence of high tides can result in urban flooding in coastal cities. Similarly, rivers overflowing their banks can also be a substantial cause behind water submerging developed areas.
Anthropogenic Factors
These factors are related to the influence of human activity on nature, such as urban sprawl. Encroachment of agricultural land and open areas along with unsustainable construction on natural drainage pathways and riverbeds are the leading causes behind urban flooding in large cities. Converting natural spaces for development purposes also pollutes waterways, which subsequently decreases ground absorption and increases the speed of surface flow, thus increasing the risk of floods.
Other factors include inadequate stormwater drainage systems, poor solid waste management systems, lack of flood control measures, and climate change caused due to anthropogenic events.
When it comes to the consequences or effects of urban flooding, it is important to note that this event can cause substantial financial loss due to the damage incurred by homes and infrastructure, loss of livelihood, and reduction in business productivity, to name a few. Furthermore, it impacts the water and sanitation services, disrupts supply chains and public transport, overloads the healthcare system, and has a range of other social effects that can be hard to combat.
How to Prevent Urban Flooding in Pakistan
There are numerous measures authorities can undertake in a bid to prevent urban flooding due to rainfall, such as putting a stop to the uncontrolled expansion of cities and improving the overall infrastructure.
That being said, here are the most effective ways to prevent flooding in Pakistan.
Creating Sponge Cities
One of the top solutions to flooding in developed areas is the creation of sponge cities. The term refers to urban settlements with an abundance of green spaces such as green belts and parks that are specifically designed to absorb rainwater. With climate change increasing the intensity of floods, authorities should consider designing cities like giant sponges that can soak up excess water and prevent damage to the infrastructure.
It is also worth mentioning that sponge cities are environmentally friendly. Moreover, they do not only funnel water away to distant water bodies but actually clean and filter it naturally. In developed nations, like China, for example, rainwater is used to irrigate farms, provide water to wildlife habitats, and replenish exhausted sources of drinking water.
Since redesigning large cities from scratch is an impossible task, authorities should consider taking smaller measures to make the infrastructure more resistant to floods and droughts. For instance, they can try planting more trees along the roads and create more open areas throughout the city to increase its sponginess.
Designing Green Rooftops
As the climate crisis continues to worsen, it has become more important than ever for communities worldwide to adopt sustainable practices in all areas of life. With Pakistan combating a myriad of environmental problems, including air and water pollution, many renowned real estate developers have taken to playing their part in improving the situation by incorporating green roofs in their designs.
Over the past years, rooftop gardens have begun gaining popularity in Pakistan. Though they are mostly found in modern high-rises in metropolitan cities, the truth is that anyone can turn their concrete roof into a small garden without putting a dent in their bank account.
There are quite a few benefits of green roofing. For starters, it can help regulate the temperature inside the building, thus lowering the usage of air conditioners, which are bad for the environment. Secondly, the vegetation on rooftops can be a useful tool when it comes to stormwater management. In addition, the plants can help remove nitrogen pollution from rainwater, which can be beneficial for the overall ecosystem. Not to mention, green rooftops look aesthetically pleasing and provide a serene and peaceful space where residents of the building can gather and relax.
Revamping Underground Drainage Systems
The next solution on our list is upgrading the drainage system to prevent flooding. Needless to say, it is among the most obvious ways to stop rainwater from accumulating in residential and commercial areas. However, unfortunately, most of the older pipelines in cities are suffering from rust and corrosion, worsening the situation.
To avoid urban flooding due to rainfall, it is important for water and sewerage management authorities to revamp the underground pipes and drainage system to ensure the sewers do not get backed up during the monsoon season. Moreover, installing new pipelines to separate rainwater from wastewater can be a good decision. It would allow treatment plants to process water accordingly, without being overwhelmed by polluted runoff.
Furthermore, concerned government departments and municipal bodies should make sure the sewer systems are not clogged with debris, tree roots, and sediment. Regular clean-ups would allow stormwater to drain immediately and effectively.
Installing Permeable Pavements and Sidewalks
Permeable pavements and walkways can also be beneficial in preventing flooding in cities.
Not everyone living in urban areas enjoys access to green spaces. Open areas are considered a luxury in densely populated areas with congested concrete buildings taking up every available piece of land. However, concrete is not permeable, which means it does not absorb rainwater but redirects it to the drainage system.
Once the drainage systems become clogged, the rainwater begins to accumulate on streets and sidewalks. If left unchecked, it eventually enters the nearby houses, thus causing urban flooding. It also results in power outages and can damage the foundations of the buildings in the area, thus endangering the lives of many.
Fortunately, all of this can be avoided if cities start replacing impermeable surfaces with permeable ones – such as grass. This is also called sustainable drainage, as instead of blocking and redirecting the runoff, these surfaces can absorb the water and allow it to drain into the soil.
Taking Action on Community Level
Last but not least, the local communities must come together to play their part in preventing flooding in cities.
Along with following the tips for rainwater conservation, the residents of cities can vow to reduce their use of plastic, which is among the top culprits behind clogged pipelines. In addition, we can refrain from pouring corrosive substances or oils down the drains and polluting rivers. If there are any public parks in the neighbourhoods, those living nearby can try improving their condition by planting more trees and grass.
Similarly, we can create small gardens on our rooftops or backyards. If that is not possible, consider adding a few plants in open areas next to pavements to make the soil more absorbent.
Last but not least, consider waterproofing your homes to minimise damage and injuries from urban flooring. Some measures include applying a waterproofing seal to doors and windows and reinstalling electrical outlets higher on the walls.
Here are some more house flood safety tips that you may find helpful. You can also take a look at our guides on how to stay safe during the rainy season and how to drive in heavy rain.
This also brings us to the end of our guide on how to prevent urban flooding in Pakistan. To learn more about stormwater management and monsoon safety measures, please stay connected to Zameen Blog – the best lifestyle and property blog in the country. You can also write to us at blog@zameen.com and visit our Facebook page for the latest updates on the real estate industry.
