Role of Local Government in Disaster Preparedness and Response in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province

Pakistan is ranked among the top ten countries of the world with a high likelihood of being impacted by natural disasters as a result of climate change. Numerous cities in Pakistan are already experiencing water scarcity both for drinking and agricultural purposes, and this shortage is projected to worsen in the foreseeable future. Land, air, and water pollution are spreading rapidly, while the existing resources for water and energy are inadequate and being neglected. Conversely, the population growth rate is accelerating at an alarming pace as well. Therefore, Pakistan must always be ready to manage such unexpected situations; adequate resources should be allocated, and the necessary skills of personnel in various organizations should be enhanced. This paper emphasizes the significance of a robust local government system in Pakistan for efficiently responding to natural disasters. The focus is on examining the impact of local government presence and activity in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the devastating floods in 2022 and how their preparations beforehand could have reduced its effects. Pakistan is familiar with natural disasters. In October 2005 a devastating earthquake of 7.6 magnitude hit the country. It was followed by the destructive floods of July 2010. Recently, the historic and catastrophic floods of August 2022 submerged a third of the country under water, affecting 30 million people, as well as the infrastructures and other basic facilities. Until today some of the affected regions are still inundated with water, and the relief or rehabilitation efforts have yet to commence efficiently.