Pakistan Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has suggested an unorthodox strategy to tackle the nation's current flood crisis. He said people living in low-lying areas should "store" floodwater in containers, rather than allow it to flow away, and even urged people to consider the flooding a "blessing."
More than 2.4 million people have been hit, and over a thousand villages have been inundated, as record monsoon rains cause havoc in Punjab province.
Speaking to Pakistan's Dunya News in an interview, Asif stated, "People who are protesting against the flood-like situation should take the flood waters home."
"People should store this water at their homes, in tubs, and containers. We should look at this water in the form of a blessing and hence should store it," he added.
Asif also espoused the build-up of smaller dams that could be finished within a short while, instead of waiting 10-15 years for big projects. "We are letting water go down the drain. We must store it," he added.
More than 2 million people have been impacted by the devastating floods in Punjab, as per Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari. Statistics provided by Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) indicate that from June 26 to August 31, 854 lost their lives due to floods, with over 1,100 being injured.
Officiating officials have cautioned that the increasing water from the River Chenab is anticipated to reach Multan district on Tuesday, combining with inflow from the River Ravi. In the meantime, River Panjnad water levels are anticipated to reach its peak on September 5, and the River Sutlej is still making inroads towards barrages such as Suleimanki and Head Islam.
Authorities also warned that two additional days of monsoon rains predicted in Punjab may slow down relief efforts and escalate water levels further.
The United Nations has sounded alarm over the inundation of agricultural lands and destruction of mature crops, warning that the situation could provoke food shortages and increase inflation in Pakistan.
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