As Cyclone Nilofar approaches the coastal areas of Pakistan with gusty winds and heavy rainfall, World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-P) has stressed the need to take immediate precautionary measures for residents of the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan, in order to cope with adverse impacts, if any, of this tropical cyclone.
WWF-P has already mobilised its staff posted along the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan to help local authorities and coastal communities, prepare for the cyclone and its possible effect, disclosed a WWF-P's spokesperson here on Wednesday.
Dr Ejaz Ahmed, Senior Director, WWF-P said, "In order to reduce the risk, it is important to strengthen the natural ecosystem, such as mangroves, which serve as a defence shield by protecting coastal communities against storms and cyclones." Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Technical Adviser, WWF-P, said, "It is now scientifically proven that the frequency of cyclones has increased during the past two decades due to climatic changes. "Since 1999, eight major cyclones have hit the coastal areas of Pakistan, some of which have caused severe damage to lives and properties. Of these, Cyclone 2-A in May 1999 had caused the most serious damage to the coastal areas of Thatta and Badin. Destruction of some of the infrastructures, including the Left Outfall Bank Drain (LOBD), seriously affected coastal communities and recovery from the damage has still not been completed.