Unit 1 - Flooding Case Study - Pakistan Flashcards
What were the main causes of the 2010 Indus River Basin floods in Pakistan?
Heavy monsoon rainfall in July 2010, steeper river topography, and lack of flood control infrastructure.
How much rainfall did northern Pakistan receive during the monsoon in July 2010?
Three times the annual average rainfall within 36 hours.
How did steep river topography contribute to the 2010 flooding in Pakistan?
It produced rapid overland flow and surface runoff, increasing the river’s discharge.
What human factors contributed to the severity of the 2010 floods in Pakistan?
Lack of flood protection, poorly maintained infrastructure, and unregulated river developments.
What percentage of GDP did Pakistan lose due to the 2010 floods?
Pakistan’s GDP growth rate fell from 4% to 2%.
How many people were displaced by the 2010 floods in Pakistan?
Nearly 20 million people were displaced.
Which sectors were most affected by the 2010 floods in Pakistan?
Agriculture (50%), housing (16%), and transport/communications (13%).
What was the economic damage caused by the 2010 Indus River floods?
Damage exceeded $10 billion.
How did the 2010 floods affect livestock in Pakistan?
Over 10 million heads of livestock were lost.
What environmental impacts did the 2010 floods have on crops?
Loss of major crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane, reducing the supply of vegetables and milk.
What structural flood mitigation measures has Pakistan historically used?
Construction of levees, dams, and artificial reservoirs.
Why were Pakistan’s existing flood mitigation measures insufficient during the 2010 floods?
Levees were arbitrarily built at 1.8 meters, inadequate for higher water levels during the floods.
What non-structural flood mitigation measures are being developed in Pakistan?
Improved flood forecasting and early warning systems.
How many levees provide flood protection in Pakistan, and what do they protect?
6,000 km of levees protect major agricultural and riverine areas.
What was a major structural improvement proposed after the 2010 floods?
Better maintenance of existing levees and creation of flood response plans.
