CLIMATE CHANGE, DISASTER MANAGEMENT, AND POLICY RESPONSE: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE FLOODS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

The 2025 floods in Pakistan exposed critical gaps in the country's disaster management policies and practices. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy (NDRRS) in addressing flood risks, focusing on preparedness, response coordination, resource allocation, and community engagement. The results indicate that while the NDRRS framework provides a comprehensive approach to disaster risk reduction, its implementation faced significant challenges. 25% of respondents felt that the government’s response was swift and effective, while 20.83% disagreed. In terms of early warning systems, 41.67% of respondents believed they were ineffective. Additionally, 29.17% reported that the resource allocation was inadequate, and 37.5% of respondents acknowledged that marginalized groups were not sufficiently included in disaster management efforts. The study highlights that despite the framework’s promise, systemic challenges such as infrastructure deficiencies, poor coordination, and inadequate community engagement hindered its effectiveness. The research emphasizes the need for improved early warning systems, better coordination, more efficient resource management, and inclusive disaster planning to build resilience against future floods.