What is a Cloudburst, and How Does It Affect Pakistan?
Climate change has been adversely affecting the entire planet. However, Pakistan has been bearing the brunt of abrasive weather and extreme temperatures in the past few years. In 2022, one-third of Pakistan was submerged in water due to floods. These floods affected more than 33 million people.
This year, Pakistan faces another wave of torrential rains, cloudbursts, and floods. More than 850 people have died due to the floods this year. As the country braces for another spell of monsoon rains, the death toll is expected to rise.
Besides the irregular monsoon patterns, one reason that has contributed to creating extreme flooding in Pakistan is cloudbursts. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive answer to the following question: What is a cloudburst, and how does this weather phenomenon endanger Pakistan?
Pakistan’s Environmental Dilemma
Although Pakistan contributes less than 1 percent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, it is among the countries that are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. According to the World Bank, Pakistan requires more than $43 billion annually until 2030 to mitigate the effects of global warming. It will take resources, will, and a collaborative effort to save Pakistan from further calamities.
Be a Lifeline for Flood-Hit Families
What Is a Cloudburst?
Cloudbursts are sudden and very intense. They can unleash a torrent of rain, triggering at least 100 mm of rainfall in an hour or less.
Cloudbursts occur when warm, moist air meets cold mountain air, causing condensation. The phenomenon termed orographic lifting causes condensation and leads to the formation of clouds.
Due to strong upward currents, the cloud becomes more laden with moisture. When the updraft weakens, the water droplets fall suddenly.
This results in intense rainfall, resulting in flash floods and landslides in mountainous areas. The mountainous regions of northern Pakistan are particularly vulnerable to cloudbursts.
While global warming increases temperatures, it also creates an environment in which the atmosphere can hold more moisture. With every 1 °C temperature rise, the capacity of the atmosphere to hold moisture increases by almost 7%.
Climate change is also causing glaciers to melt quickly, resulting in greater outflow.
Let’s Provide Free Medical Care to Flood Survivors
Threats to Flood Survivors:
As the number of flood victims increases, it becomes more challenging to keep them safe and healthy. The following are some of the risks faced by flood survivors:
- Contaminated water and lack of sanitation facilities can very quickly lead to the outbreak of water-borne diseases.
- Diseases such as Diarrhea, Cholera, Typhoid, Dysentery, and Hepatitis A tend to spread due to a lack of sanitation.
- Mosquitoes breeding in the stagnant water cause Malaria and Dengue outbreaks.
- Skin and eye infections are common due to exposure to floodwater.
- Malnutrition and lack of food can create health problems, especially for pregnant women, old people, and children.
- Snakebites are a common occurrence and can be a significant challenge in certain areas.
- Respiratory issues and allergies can become prevalent in flood-affected areas.
- People suffering from chronic diseases often don’t have access to life-saving medicines.
- Many flood victims experience mental health issues resulting from traumatic experiences.
- All these problems must be addressed to ensure that flood victims remain safe and healthy.
Appeal to Support Transparent Hands’ Flood Relief Efforts
Now that we know the answer to “what is a cloudburst, and how it affects vulnerable communities in Pakistan?”, we must prioritize addressing the ongoing crises and saving lives in the flood-affected areas of Pakistan.
Since 2014, Transparent Hands has been providing free medical and surgical care to those in need in Pakistan. In 2022, we carried out successful flood relief operations, benefitting thousands of underprivileged flood victims.
This year, as the situation worsens, our dedicated team is already on the ground to organize free flood relief camps in the most affected areas across Pakistan. With your kindness, compassion, and support, we will be reaching out to numerous flood-hit families. Transparent Hands’ free relief camps will provide the following services:
- Free First Aid
- Free Medicines
- Free Check-ups by Male and Female Doctors
- Free Diagnostic Tests
- Food Packages
Support Free Flood Relief Camps in Pakistan
In this article, we discussed “what is a Cloudburst?” and why cloudbursts have been causing devastation in Pakistan. In this crucial time, we need to get together and show our compassion towards those who lost their homes, livelihoods, and loved ones. We must bring healing to those facing injuries and diseases during the floods. Time is of the essence. Many flood victims in Pakistan require immediate medical assistance to protect themselves and their families. Donate now to save lives.
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