Floods 2015 in Chitral, Pakistan.
The flood situation in Chitral district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan has now left
almost 300,000 cut off, according to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority
(PDMA).
An official update from 21 July, says that a further victim has been reported, bringing the
death toll to 3 people. However, the exact number of fatalities cannot be ascertained due
to inaccessibility of different affected areas. All three fatalities occurred in Broze, Chitral,
after buildings collapsed.
Further damage assessments say that over 50 houses have been severely damaged
and 100 houses completely destroyed, as well as at least 10 bridges and numerous
roads. Water supply has been damaged or cut off in Broze, Orghuch, Ushusht, Nisur Gol
and Mastuj.
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
Officials say that the current situation was caused by “Glacial Lake Outburst Floods”
after unusually heavy rain fell on 15 and 16 July, and again on 19 July, 2015.
PDMA say that the Glacial Lake Outburst Floods caused “massive torrents and flash
floods, washing away villages, access roads, bridges, drinking water supply systems,
buildings and agricultural crops”. They added:
“This phenomenon is unusual; however, due to climate
changes, districts in the north of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa…
are prone to such incidents of Glacial Lake Outburst
Floods”
In a statement made earlier this month, Pakistan Federal Minister for Climate Change,
Senator Mushahidullah Khan, and expressed serious concern over the flood threat faced
northern areas of Pakistan.
Thousands Cut Off for 7 Days
Relief efforts have been stepped up, but PDMA say that the destruction of road
infrastructure is making access to the affected areas difficult. Currently, around 25,000
people are cut off from the rest of Chitral in Kalash Valley, 60,000 in Garam Chashma
and 200,000 in Upper Chitral, including Booni, Mastuj, Mulkow, Torkow and Yarkhoon.
PDMA say that the chances of food shortages in these areas cannot be ruled out. Local
authorities have mobilized local contractors and deployed earth moving machinery to
clear and restore damaged roads.
Chitral flood damage, July 2015, Pakistan. Photo: PDMA
Basic Need of flood affected people is Distribution of Food,
medicine, and Relief Items including Tents.
The Pakistan Army has been drafted in to assist with rescue and relief distribution. In a
statement earlier today, they said:
AHSAS Disabled People Organization want to start rescue and relief operation, in the
worst flood hit areas of Chitral. Our mission is to provide food, water, medicine and tents.
Further Rain in River Catchment Areas Expected in Next days.
Pakistan’s Meteorological Department Flood Forecasting Division forecast further rainfall
for the area. In their forecast of 22 July 2015, they said:
Fairly wide-spread thunderstorm/rain of moderate in tensity with isolated heavy falls is
expected over Sindh.
Scattered thunderstorms/rain of moderate intensity with isolated heavy fall is expected
over the Upper Catchments of all the major rivers along with Punjab, Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa and Northeast Balochistan.
Rainfall of moderate intensity with isolated heavy falls is also expected over the Hill
Torrents of DG Khan division.
River Levels
The Flood Forecasting Division also said that the River Indus is a “Medium Flood Level”
at Kalabagh , Chashma and Taunsa and the River Kabul at Nowshera.
Expected Budget
S. No
Items
Price in pak ruppes
1
Tent
7,900/1 piece
2
Food Parcel
3,950
NOTE: Transportation and all other expenses are included.
One Family will be benefited with 1 Tent+1 food pack =11,850 PKRs
Minimum Project target is One Hundred Families.
Prepared by Muhammad Zareef
Program Manager
AHSAS dpo