China has extended its support to Gwadar port by providing early warning system equipment, aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of natural disasters such as catastrophic floods and torrential rain.
This collaborative effort between the China Meteorological Administration and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) is a significant step towards enhancing the emergency management capacity of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Furthermore, the China Meteorological Administration is actively assisting the PMD in bolstering its institutional capabilities to effectively tackle emerging hydro-meteorological challenges, ensuring better preparedness and response mechanisms.
The decision to provide Gwadar with advanced equipment follows its declaration as a calamity-hit area in the aftermath of heavy rains last month, prompting a visit from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to assess the damage caused by severe storms in the region.
The impact of the natural disaster was profound, with approximately 3,100 houses in Gwadar and 2,500 in Jiwani being destroyed. Among these, 95 houses were completely demolished, and nearly 200 livestock perished as a result.
In response to the crisis, authorities took swift action to provide relief and support to affected individuals. Government residences accommodated 355 individuals, while 800 others were rescued and relocated to the homes of relatives. Additionally, the Pakistan Army and Navy set up hospital camps to provide healthcare services to the casualties, demonstrating a concerted effort to address the needs of the affected population and mitigate further suffering.
