Coastal Belt of Sindh Facing another Ravaging Cyclone

It is crucial for the authorities, civil society organizations, and individuals to come together and take a decisive action

[According to Sindh government’s official statement, the powerful cyclone is about to hit coastal district from June 13 to 17, 2023]

Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo

Once again, Badin and other coastal districts of Sindh province are about to face a devastating cyclone, which highlight the relentless onslaught of natural disasters in the region. As the storm is about to wreak havoc, it prompts us to ponder whether we, as human beings, are complicit in this crime against nature and who ultimately bears the cost. Look back to the catastrophic cyclone of 1999. The year 1999 marked a dark chapter in the history of Pakistan as a powerful cyclone wreaked havoc along its coastal regions. Cyclone 02B, with its ferocious winds and torrential rains, unleashed its wrath upon the province of Sindh, leaving behind a trail of destruction and immense loss. The affected communities still after twenty-four years continue to struggle to rebuild their lives. Their resilience has been tested repeatedly, enduring not only four subsequent flood emergencies but also the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Tragically, over 6000 individuals who went missing during the 1999 cyclone were eventually declared dead, leaving behind a painful legacy for their families. Now, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has once again issued an alert, signaling the imminent danger facing coastal communities. While governments may be interested in raising funds and offering support, everyone knows those living below the poverty line, along the coastlines in makeshift homes made from grass and bushes, are left vulnerable. They face the heart-wrenching prospect of losing not only their dwellings but also their lives and their means of sustenance.

Allocating resources to provide adequate shelter, livelihood support, and psychological assistance to the affected population should be prioritized

The recurring cycle of destruction raises important questions about our collective responsibility towards the environment. Are we, in fact, collaborators and perpetrators of this crime against nature? The consequences of climate change and environmental degradation are becoming increasingly evident, and it is imperative that we address this crisis before it escalates further. Today while interacting with rural people I realized the plight of the people in Badin serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management strategies and long-term solutions. Immediate relief efforts are essential to assist those affected by the upcoming cyclone, but sustainable measures must be implemented to mitigate future risks and enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities.

As the storm rages on, it is crucial for the authorities, civil society organizations, and individuals to come together and take decisive action. Allocating resources to provide adequate shelter, livelihood support, and psychological assistance to the affected population should be prioritized. Initiatives focusing on climate change adaptation, disaster preparedness, and environmental conservation must be implemented to safeguard our shared future. In the face of nature’s fury, we must not forget that we hold the power to change the trajectory of this unfolding crisis. Though we don’t share common values, this is time, let us unite, not only to confront the immediate challenges at hand but also to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies through sustainable practices and responsible environmental stewardship. Only through concerted efforts can we hope to heal the wounds inflicted upon our planet and ensure a safer and more resilient future for all.

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Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo is a Community Development Professional, based in Hyderabad, Sindh.