A season that tests our readiness |
The warning issued by the National Disaster Management Authority’s National Emergencies Operations Center (NEOC) about an approaching severe cold wave is a timely reminder of the vulnerabilities Pakistan faces during harsh winter spells. With freezing conditions expected to persist across Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Potohar region and northern Balochistan, and an anticipated sharp drop in temperatures in Quetta, Ziarat and Kalat, the coming days demand heightened preparedness from both authorities and citizens.
Severe winters are not new to these regions, yet their impacts are often underestimated until daily life is disrupted. Prolonged cold spells place immense pressure on already fragile infrastructure, particularly in mountainous and high-altitude areas. Road closures due to snow, disruptions in power supply and limited access to healthcare can quickly turn a weather event into a humanitarian challenge. In remote areas, where communities depend on a narrow window of access routes, sustained cold can isolate populations and delay relief efforts.
The NEOC’s caution regarding respiratory ailments is especially significant. Cold weather exacerbates illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia, posing serious risks to children, the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. In regions where healthcare facilities are sparse or under-resourced, preventive measures become critical. Public awareness about proper clothing, indoor heating safety and early medical consultation can significantly reduce avoidable health complications.
Equally concerning is the threat posed to agriculture. Standing crops are highly vulnerable to frost damage, particularly in northern Balochistan and parts of upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where livelihoods are closely tied to seasonal........