Role of the Military in Disaster Management: A Case Study of Flood 2022

Abstract

This study aims to examine the primary challenges in disaster management in Pakistan, with a focus on the military's role in flood response. Identifying the administrative, institutional, and structural barriers to catastrophe preparedness and response is its goal. Floods in Pakistan are more frequent and severe, particularly during the monsoon season, and they inflict a lot of damage. Even with the implementation of disaster management regulations, the response is inadequate due to a lack of accountability, limited institutional competency, and poor coordination. The inadequacies in civilian disaster management are reflected in the increasing military involvement in crises. Floods affect socioeconomically disadvantaged groups and undermine public confidence in government institutions, according to the study. A qualitative method is used to investigate how military and civilian institutions respond to catastrophes, drawing on academic research articles, policy briefs, and case studies of previous floods. The findings highlight serious shortcomings in Pakistan's disaster management system, such as inconsistent efforts, a lack of technological capacity, and reactive rather than preventative actions. Increased financial strain, infrastructure destruction, poverty, and displacement have all resulted from floods. Strategic improvements are required to increase resilience, according to the research. Implementing innovative early warning technologies, inter-agency collaboration, specialized training, institutional capacity building, and clearly defining roles for both military and civilian partners are among the solutions suggested.