Climatic hazards become disasters when they affect vulnerable people, settlements and economic activities. Pakistan faces drought, river floods, flash floods, heatwaves, cold waves, cyclones and severe storms.
Learning objectives
- Explain the main geographical ideas in this lesson.
- Use Pakistan-specific evidence and map terminology.
- Apply knowledge to structured and evaluation questions.
Drought
Meteorological drought occurs when rainfall is well below normal; agricultural drought occurs when soil moisture is inadequate for crops; hydrological drought affects rivers, reservoirs and groundwater.
Drought reduces crop yields, livestock condition and hydel generation. It may cause migration, food-price increases and conflict over water.
Floods and storms
River floods may result from intense monsoon rain, snowmelt or high flows across a large drainage basin. Flash floods develop rapidly in steep valleys or dry channels after intense rain.
Cyclones threaten the coast through wind, rain and storm surge. Hail and thunderstorms can damage crops, buildings and power lines.
Reducing risk
Forecasting, early warning, evacuation plans, embankments, drainage, floodplain zoning, drought-resistant crops and water storage reduce risk. No single measure is sufficient.
Hard engineering may protect valuable areas but is costly and can fail. Preparedness and land-use planning often provide lower-cost support.
O Level examination guidance
- Distinguish hazard from disaster: vulnerability and exposure matter.
- For management questions, assess both structural and non-structural measures.
Review questions and answers
- Why are flash floods difficult to manage?
They develop quickly, often in narrow valleys, leaving little warning time. - Give one non-structural flood-management method.
Forecasting, warning, evacuation planning, education or restricting building on floodplains.
