THE bitter memories of floods of 2010 and 2011 have not yet faded. I was disappointed to learn that the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Sindh confirmed to the media that it had made adequate arrangements in Hyderabad to combat monsoon.

The fact is contrary to this claim. I blame the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and PDMAs. They miserably failed to discharge their national duties.

I have learnt that the administrator of Karachi was suspended by the Sindh chief minister on Aug 3 for failing to control rainwater in Karachi. The responsibility also rest with four DCOs of Karachi.

Now I come to the irrigation departments of Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Punjab. They also failed in strengthening embankments/dykes of rivers/nullahs well in advance, though they were given 10 months to ensure such arrangements.

I question all stakeholders about who is to be blamed for losses amounting to billions of rupees because no preventive measures were not taken on time. Another question is: why wasn’t assistance from the army and navy sought? Positioning of dewatering machines, tents and boats were not ensured before the onset of monsoon.

I request the prime minister to order an inquiry into the matter and ensure that its recommendations are implemented for the monsoon next year so that miseries of the affected people are addressed in time.

RIAZ AKBAR
Wah Cantt