Sarah Sakeena Marshall
In recent weeks, flooding around the world has displaced millions—from Pakistan and India to Bali, Australia, Malaysia, and Wales. Flash flooding and mudslides have devastated communities and economies, leaving billions in damages. Given how many nations are grappling with the knowledge that such extreme events are on the rise due to climate change, what are governments doing to address the issue and mitigate the effects?
PAKISTAN
Pakistan has been devastated by flooding in recent years, and this round is expected to have a stark economic impact, as the monsoon arrived early and massive floods took place before the harvest, decimating crops. Pakistan’s National Flood Protection Plan, devised over a five-year period after historic 2010 floods, suggested natural mitigation measures like planting mangroves, in concert with infrastructure projects such as constructing dams and levees. However, many of the plans have not come to fruition.
In a recent op-ed for The Express Tribune, scholar Syed Mohammad Ali urged policy planners to take flood mitigation more seriously, suggesting nature-based solutions which are more cost-effective and can stave off the need for additional foreign loans. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will evaluate whether current fiscal policies will suffice during the upcoming Extended Fund Facility review. Pakistan currently has $6.6 billion in credit outstanding to the IMF.
MALAYSIA
In Malaysia, where floods in Sabah state left 250,000 people without power, Prime Minister Anwar approved RM10 million (£1.7 million) to assist flood victims on top of RM11 million (£1.87 million) for essential facilities repair. The Malaysian government has been praised for community-based flood mitigation plans put in place over the last decade, which focus on early warning systems and integrated water resource management.
Infrastructure that employs artificial intelligence to maximise water flow drainage during heavy storms and real-time sensors have garnered meaningful investment.
AUSTRALIA
In early September, in the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW), many areas received over 10 cm of rainfall in 24 hours, coupled with 100 mph winds and reports of tornadoes. Emergency services rescued 34 people from the floods.
This is the second time this year that Australia has experienced damaging floods; in May, five people died, and 50,000 were isolated due to major floods in the same region. In 2023, NSW launched a community education tool called “Get Ready” to offer early warnings and promote disaster preparedness among residents. It teaches how to read warning signs, understand risks, and develop an emergency plan and kit.
WALES
The Welsh city of Swansea experienced flooding on September 14 that fully submerged vehicles, putting the area under a yellow warning. Emergency response teams carried out rescues, and fundraisers popped up to aid those unable to return home due to the damage.
In the days following the Swansea floods, other regions received similar warnings as heavy rainfall persisted. Part of Wales’ flood risk management plan, published in 2020, aims to prevent coastal erosion by maintaining natural habitats such as sand dunes and salt marshes.
Regional flood groups share data and resources and consult on flood risk management strategies. The community approach has been hailed by experts as a more sustainable approach to flood management, as locals understand their regions better and can exchange geographically relevant ideas based on personal experience of disasters.
GLOBAL LESSONS
Geography matters when planning to mitigate the damage of inevitable flooding. Proper land-use planning is an integral factor when it comes to flood management. Developing on floodplains or in areas where mangroves can thrive diminishes drainage capabilities.
In countries with large and ever-growing populations, improper land use management has contributed to greater loss of life during natural disasters such as floods. For coastal and low-lying areas at risk of sea level rise and erosion, maintaining natural barriers and planting native flora that effectively absorbs excess water can offset damage. Enforcing laws around urban planning, investing in advanced technologies for absorbent concrete and early warning systems has been shown to save lives.
As the incidence of floods increases, even in places where monsoon rains are expected annually, governments view mitigation differently. Governments that are willing to invest in proven flood management and mitigation efforts, install smart early warning systems, include community members in planning, and enforce not developing on vulnerable floodplains will be better prepared for the increased flood risks that climate scientists have warned about, and cities have experienced, in recent years.
Feature photo: A street in Nowshera, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, lies submerged after heavy monsoon rains during Pakistan’s floods. (Credit: Abdul Majeed Goraya/IRIN)
By Sarah Sakeena Marshall, Data Assistant
