DefinePK

Abstract

Flash floods pose a significant threat to communities worldwide, and data-scarce regions face uniquechallenges in managing flash flood risks. This paper investigates the challenges in flash flood risk management inRajanpur district, Punjab province, Pakistan. The disaster risk management cycle (including prevention, preparedness, response and recovery) is a recognized instrument for managing disaster events and their impacts. However, the usefulness of the cycle has become questionable in data scarce regions. Thus, this research uses a pragmatic approach to identify challenges in the effectiveness of the conventional disaster risk management cycle and its phases in the context of flood risk management in Rajanpur. During the analysis of risk management cycle, six key challenges have been identified: i) limited data availability, ii) inadequate early warning systems, iii) insufficient emergency response planning, iv) infrastructure design and management issues, v) poor community preparedness and awareness, vi) institutional and financial constraints. Research conclude that for of the successful run of Flood Risk Management Cycle, Primary data is compulsory which includes catchment details of torrents hitting Rajanpur along with hydro met data, details of existing infrastructure in the potential flood area, identification of safe places where community can be re-located during flood warning, Proper records of past flood events to assess the intensity of flood risk. On the basis of primary data, avoidable flood damages could be averted by the combination of non-structural and structural measures. Non-structural measures includes the preparation of flood risk zoning maps, establishing proper flood forecasting mechanism along with early warning issuance and dissemination system. Where, the structural measures may include the construction of flood protection bunds etc. The response and recovery involves the community engagement with concerned authorities as per pre-defined SOPs. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes improving data availability, enhancing early warning systems, construction of necessary flood protection structures to protect the sensitive areas, strengthening emergency response planning, and addressing infrastructure, community preparedness, and institutional and financial constraints, especially in response and recovery phase.