A Summer of Torrential Monsoon Rains Affects Millions, Particularly Around the Indus River

Unprecedented Flooding in Pakistan

Since mid-June 2022, Pakistan has faced extreme monsoon rains resulting in the worst flooding the country has seen in a decade. According to Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority, over 33 million people have been affected, with more than 1 million houses destroyed or damaged. Tragically, at least 1,100 people have lost their lives due to floodwaters that have inundated tens of thousands of square kilometers across the nation.

Satellite Imagery and Flood Impact

The false-color images from the Operational Land Imagers aboard the Landsat 8 and Landsat 9 satellites, captured on August 4 and 28, highlight the extent of the flooding. These images use shortwave infrared, near-infrared, and red light to distinguish flood waters, which appear deep blue, beyond their natural channels.

The Indus River Regions

The worst flooding occurred along the Indus River, severely impacting the provinces of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Sindh. Balochistan and Sindh have received five to six times their 30-year average rainfall this year, primarily from the summer monsoon rains.

The River Indus as seen before the devastating floods of 2022, captured on 4 August 2022.

Devastating Losses

The floods have caused widespread devastation across Pakistan:

Infrastructure: Approximately 150 bridges and 3,500 kilometers (2,200 miles) of roads have been destroyed.

Agriculture: Over 700,000 livestock and 2 million acres of crops and orchards have been lost.

Displacement: More than 500,000 people have been displaced.

Conclusion

The monsoon floods of 2022 have left an indelible mark on Pakistan, impacting millions and causing significant destruction. As the country works to recover, the resilience and strength of its people are crucial in rebuilding and moving forward.

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The River Indus after the devastating floods of 2022, captured on 30 August 2022, showing extensive flooding and its impact on the surrounding areas.

Rohri District Sukkur: Floods Impacting Lives and Infrastructure

Widespread Flooding in Sukkur

Nearly 70% of Sukkur remains submerged under rainwater due to heavy rainfall and a collapsed drainage system, severely impacting both urban and rural areas.

Nearly 70% of Sukkur, Sindh's third largest city, remains submerged under rainwater due to the collapse of the drainage system. Heavy rains have led to flooding in Old Sukkur, New Pind, Shalimar, Barrage Road, Rohri, Salah Pat, Khandra, Dadonko, Patni, Pano Akil, and even village fields. Both urban and rural areas are affected, with Station Road, Ghanta Ghar, Hussain Road, and other business districts underwater.

Severe Impact Across Sindh

Seventeen districts in Sindh province have been severely affected by floods, resulting in 141 deaths, including 66 children, and around 500 injuries. The flooding has displaced over 500,000 people, destroyed thousands of homes, and damaged many roads. Additionally, more than 600,000 acres of agricultural land have been impacted.

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The Timeless Legacy of the Indus River in Sindh

The Indus River, one of the world's longest rivers, has been the lifeline of Sindh for thousands of years. Its historical importance is deeply connected to ancient civilizations, trade routes, and the rich culture of the region.

Ancient Civilizations: Birthplace of Urban Innovation

The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the earliest urban cultures, flourished along the Indus River around 2500 BCE. Cities like Mohenjo-Daro in present-day Sindh were architectural wonders with advanced drainage systems, granaries, and trade networks. The river was crucial for agriculture and served as a major route for transport and communication, enabling trade with distant lands.

Trade and Commerce: The Lifeline of Prosperity

Throughout history, the Indus River has been vital for trade. During the medieval period, it connected Sindh with Central Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. The river's strategic importance attracted various empires, including the Maurya, Kushan, and Mughal empires, who sought to control its banks to dominate lucrative trade routes.

Cultural Heritage: A Source of Inspiration

The Indus River has inspired countless poets, artists, and musicians. Celebrated in Sindhi folklore and literature, the river symbolizes life, fertility, and continuity. Festivals and rituals centered around the river highlight its key role in the spiritual and cultural life of the people.

Modern Era: Challenges and Conservation

Today, the Indus River remains crucial for Sindh's agriculture, providing irrigation for vast farmlands. However, it faces challenges like pollution, over-extraction of water, and climate change. Efforts are being made to address these issues and preserve the river's historical and ecological significance for future generations.

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Historical Context and Recent Developments of Monsoon Storms in Sukkur

 Historical Overview

Monsoon storms have been a significant part of Sukkur’s climate for centuries. Historically, these storms have brought both relief and devastation to the region. The Indus River, which flows through Sukkur, has been both a blessing and a curse during the monsoon season. While it provides much-needed water for agriculture, it also poses a threat of flooding.

Notable Historical Events

1947 Flood: One of the earliest recorded devastating floods in Sukkur occurred in 1947, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

1976 Flood: Another significant flood event that led to the displacement of thousands of residents and severe economic losses.

2010 Flood: The floods of 2010 were among the worst in recent history, affecting millions of people across Pakistan, including Sukkur.

Recent Developments

In recent years, the intensity and frequency of monsoon storms have increased, attributed largely to climate change. The year 2024 saw record-breaking rainfall in Sukkur, surpassing a 77-year-old record. This unprecedented rainfall led to severe flooding, affecting thousands of residents and causing extensive damage to infrastructure.

Record-Breaking Rainfall in 2024

The monsoon season of 2024 was particularly notable for its extreme weather patterns. Sukkur experienced its highest rainfall in decades, leading to significant challenges for the city’s infrastructure. The heavy rains overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to widespread flooding in low-lying areas.

Implications of Recent Storms

The recent storms have highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure and disaster management systems in Sukkur. The city’s existing drainage and flood management systems were unable to cope with the volume of water, leading to prolonged flooding and waterlogging in many areas.

Conclusion

Understanding the historical context of monsoon storms in Sukkur provides valuable insights into the challenges the city faces today. The record-breaking rainfall of 2024 underscores the need for robust infrastructure and effective disaster management strategies to mitigate the impact of future storms.

Sukkur Rohri: A City Shrouded in Fog

 

Sukkur Rohri is a city in the Sindh province of Pakistan, located on the banks of the Indus River. It is known for its historical and cultural heritage, as well as its strategic location as a major railway junction. However, in the winter season, Sukkur Rohri faces a different challenge: fog.

     Fog is a phenomenon that occurs when water droplets or ice crystals suspend in the air near the earth’s surface, reducing visibility. Fog can be caused by various factors, such as temperature, humidity, wind, and topography. In Sukkur Rohri, fog is mainly influenced by the river and the surrounding plains, which create a humid and cool environment.

     According to the National Weather Forecasting Centre of Pakistan, fog conditions are common in Sukkur Rohri from December to February, especially during the night and early morning hours. The visibility can drop to as low as 150 to 250 meters, affecting the traffic and transportation in the city. The fog also poses a risk for the health and safety of the residents, as it can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation, and accidents.

     To cope with the fog, the authorities and the citizens have adopted various measures, such as installing fog lights, using fog horns, wearing masks, and avoiding unnecessary travel. The National Highways and Motorway Police also issue regular fog reports and advisories for the drivers and commuters, urging them to follow the safety guidelines and precautions.

     Despite the challenges, some people also find beauty and charm in the foggy scenes of Sukkur Rohri. The fog creates a mystical and serene atmosphere, enhancing the historical and cultural landmarks of the city, such as the Sukkur Barrage, the Rohri Bridge, the Masoom Shah Minar, and the Sadh Belo Temple. Some photographers and artists also capture the foggy moments of Sukkur Rohri, showcasing the city’s unique and diverse character.

     Sukkur Rohri is a city that embraces its foggy winters, as it does with its other seasons. The fog is a part of the city’s identity, adding to its richness and complexity. Sukkur Rohri is a city that is not afraid of the fog, but rather, learns to live with it.

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