Floods Claim 700 Lives in Pakistan: Calls Grow for Civil Defence Training
In July, the scenic Swat Valley witnessed tragedy when 17 tourists were swept away by raging waters.
ISLAMABAD: As devastating floods continue to wreak havoc across Pakistan, more than 700 lives have been lost, and over 150 people remain missing, prompting renewed calls for urgent rescue preparedness and public training in life-saving techniques.
In July, the scenic Swat Valley witnessed tragedy when 17 tourists were swept away by raging waters. Similar incidents across the country underline the increasing vulnerability of communities during monsoon seasons.
Among the voices rising to meet the crisis is Qamar-uz-Zaman Shah, an 86-year-old water safety advocate and former observer from Mirpur, Azad Kashmir. Shah is calling for nationwide self-defence and water rescue training, especially in flood-prone regions.
“People must know how to act fast when someone drowns,” he said. “Simple techniques — like spinning the victim in circles to revive breathing — have saved lives.”
Shah recounts childhood memories where victims submerged for hours were revived using traditional revival methods, such as rapid spinning, similar to CPR. In one striking example, a Hindu potter reportedly saved a drowned man using a potter’s wheel, spinning him until he regained consciousness — a story Zaman insists he witnessed as a boy.
Such techniques, though unconventional, may hold merit in emergencies, and Shah urges Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and local authorities to include these practices in public awareness campaigns.
Civil Defence: A Life-Saving Necessity
Dr. Tabassum from the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration warned citizens against crossing or approaching floodwaters, noting that even shallow currents can be deadly. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) echoed the warning, urging people to avoid low-lying areas and riverbanks.
Despite official alerts, curious locals and social media users continue to risk their lives to film or check on livestock — often underestimating the force of the water.
A Call for National Training
With rivers overflowing and entire villages submerged, rescue teams are overwhelmed, setting up temporary shelters and struggling to reach remote communities. In these circumstances, empowering locals with basic rescue knowledge could significantly reduce casualties.
Shah insists that civil defense must become part of public education. “Floods may be natural, but preventable deaths are not,” he said. “Preparedness, even at the grassroots level, can save lives.”
Read more: KP Floods: 493 km of Roads and 32 Bridges Destroyed, PKR 9 Billion Needed for Restoration
The Way Forward
As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of natural disasters in Pakistan, equipping the public with self-defence and rescue techniques is no longer optional — it’s essential. The government and disaster relief agencies are being urged to invest in community-level civil defence programs, focusing on swimming skills, revival techniques, and first response training.
In the face of unpredictable floods, one thing is certain: knowledge saves lives.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.