THE last few weeks brought bad news for urban settlements across the globe. Bangkok and other parts of Thailand experienced torrential rains and urban flooding that paralysed life. Thousands of hapless residents were hastily evacuated to safer locations. For many, this catastrophe meant losing their homes. Butwal and Kathmandu in Nepal were severely flooded; many people were swept away.

Meanwhile, several cities and settlements also faced conflict-related harm as various weapons caused unprecedented disruptions to daily life. The economic toll is immense. The extraordinary rise in fuel prices has made life miserable for ordinary people. Against this backdrop, with war clouds continuing to darken many parts of the Middle East and beyond, World Habitat Day was recently marked, inviting all to address the emerging challenges to settlements and civilisation.

One goal of this day is to review problems such as shelter and amenities. This year, climate events — long heatwaves, heavy rains in the north, and negligible rainfall in Karachi — make it difficult to recharge peri-urban aquifers. Drought-like conditions signal tough times for agriculture and livestock........

© Dawn