Major Hazards In Pakistan
- 1. Major Hazards in Pakistan Present by : Saqib Ali GB Department: CIMR Subject: Principal Of DM Teacher: ENGR DR Muhammad Yaseen University Of Punjab Lahore
- 2. Introduction What are Hazards ? Hazards can be defined as anything that poses a threat to life, property, or the environment Examples Are ; Major hazards such as floods, storms, earthquakes, landslides, droughts, cyclones, and tsunamis
- 3. What Are Major Hazards In Pakistan? Pakistan is a country that is located in a region that is prone to a variety of natural and man-made hazards. Some of the major hazards that exist in Pakistan include: 1. Earthquakes: Pakistan is located on the boundary of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, which makes it prone to earthquakes. The 2005 earthquake in northern Pakistan claimed over 73,000 lives, injured over 128,000, and left millions homeless.
- 4. Flooding Pakistan is prone to seasonal flooding due to its geography and monsoon rains. The 2010 floods were one of the worst disasters in Pakistan's history, affecting over 20 million people and causing over $43 billion in damages.
- 5. Landslides Landslides are common in northern Pakistan due to the region's steep slopes and heavy rainfall. In 2014, a landslide in the town of Atta bad killed 20 people and blocked the Hunza River, creating a lake that displaced thousands of people.
- 6. Cyclones: Pakistan is vulnerable to cyclones, especially in the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan. The 2007 cyclone in Balochistan killed over 380 people and destroyed over 100,000 homes.
- 7. Terrorism: Pakistan has been facing terrorism for many years, and it is a significant threat to public safety. Terrorist attacks have killed thousands of people and caused widespread fear and unrest.
- 8. Drought: Droughts are common in Pakistan, especially in the southern region. In recent years, the drought has caused severe water shortages, crop failures, and livestock deaths.
- 9. Heatwaves: Pakistan is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. The 2015 heatwave in Karachi claimed over 1,200 lives and affected thousands of people.
- 10. Main Features Of Major Hazards In Pakistan Pakistan is prone to a variety of major hazards that can cause significant damage to property, infrastructure, and human lives. Some of the main features of major hazards in Pakistan include: Pakistan is situated on a tectonically active region, making it prone to earthquakes. The 2005 Kashmir earthquake, which had a magnitude of 7.6, caused widespread damage and resulted in the loss of over 70,000 lives. Pakistan experiences monsoon rains and flash floods almost every year, causing significant damage to crops, infrastructure, and human lives. The 2010 floods, which affected around 20 million people, were the worst in Pakistan's history.
- 11. The northern areas of Pakistan are prone to landslides, especially during the monsoon season. Landslides can cause blockages on roads and disrupt transport, as well as cause loss of life and property. Pakistan's coastal areas are vulnerable to tropical cyclones and storms, which can cause extensive damage to infrastructure and property, and also result in loss of lives. In 2020, Cyclone Amphan caused significant damage to infrastructure and property in Sindh and Balochistan. Pakistan also experiences prolonged periods of drought, which can lead to crop failures, food shortages, and water scarcity.
- 12. Pakistan has a large industrial sector, and industrial accidents such as explosions and fires are not uncommon. For example, the 2012 Baldia Town fire, which occurred in a garment factory, claimed the lives of over 250 people. These major hazards require proper disaster management plans, early warning systems, and public awareness campaigns to mitigate their impact on human lives and infrastructure.
- 13. Conculusion In conclusion, Pakistan is vulnerable to a range of hazards, both natural and man- made These hazards pose a significant threat to public safety, property, and the environment It is essential to take measures to mitigate the risks associated with these hazards, such as improving infrastructure, strengthening disaster management systems, and raising awareness among the public. Thank you for listening.
- 14. Reach Out If You Have Any Question? Thank You Prepared By : Saqib Ali GB