Musadik calls for satellite-based mapping of floodplains ahead of monsoon

He said satellite-based evidence could help identify vulnerable locations and provide a scientific basis for effective land-use planning and disaster-risk reduction, irrespective of the economic or political influence of those involved. Emphasising the importance of location-specific early-warning systems, Dr Musadik Malik said issuing a warning alone was not sufficient unless it reached the people directly exposed to a particular hazard.

“A warning without an address is addressed to no one,” he said, stressing the need for a mechanism through which people, tourists, urban residents and communities living in vulnerable mountainous areas could receive timely alerts about impending disasters.

Referring to a flood incident in which a family was caught in rapidly rising water despite an earlier warning, he said the experience highlighted the importance of ensuring that scientific information was translated into practical measures for saving human lives.

The minister also referred to the reported deaths of around 4,600 people in Karachi during a week-long heatwave, questioning why such losses continued despite the availability of scientific information and the capacity to forecast extreme weather events.

He stressed that disaster preparedness required an effective follow-up mechanism, drawing an analogy with medical professionals who not only diagnose illnesses and prescribe treatment but also monitor patients’ progress. Highlighting the potential of digital modelling, he said digital twins could help assess vulnerabilities associated with building collapses, inadequate construction standards, inappropriate zoning and poor water drainage systems.

The minister said satellite data provided evidence-based information about land use and environmental changes, helping authorities identify risks and make informed policy decisions. He also called for greater use of artificial intelligence and advanced computing capabilities to accelerate scientific research and improve disaster-risk assessment.

Referring to the recently launched $10 million green innovation startup fund, he invited universities, research institutions and young innovators to utilise satellite data and develop practical solutions for climate challenges. He particularly encouraged institutions including NUST, LUMS and Aga Khan University, as well as international universities, to participate in innovation initiatives and develop applications that could support disaster preparedness.

The minister urged scientists and researchers to direct their work towards protecting vulnerable populations, emphasising that rescue operations should be the last resort rather than the first response.