Pakistan is witnessing the early signs of a drought, as a severe shortage of rainfall has been recorded in multiple regions of the country over the past five and a half months.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has reported that national rainfall has dropped by 40 percent from September 1 to January 15, leading to the emergence of drought conditions in several areas, particularly in Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan.
The PMD has highlighted that rainfall in the country during the specified period was significantly below average, with some provinces bearing the brunt of the deficit. Sindh recorded a 52 percent reduction in rainfall, while Balochistan saw a 45 percent decline, and Punjab experienced a 42 percent shortfall.
These deficits have created the conditions for mild drought to manifest in various regions, with the situation expected to worsen in the coming months if the trend continues.
In Punjab, areas like Potohar, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Multan have begun showing signs of drought. Despite the typical expectations for rainfall in the region during this time, the PMD predicts little chance of significant precipitation, further exacerbating the drought risk.
The continued lack of rainfall, coupled with rising temperatures, could lead to a worsening crisis.
In Sindh, drought conditions have been observed in major districts, including Rajanpur, Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, Sargodha, Khushab, and Mianwali. Karachi, Thatta, Badin, and Hyderabad, cities historically prone to periodic drought, have also experienced mild drought conditions.
In Balochistan, regions such as Ormara, Kharan, Turbat, Kech, and Panjgur are currently facing early drought stages. The Meteorological Department has warned that the situation could deteriorate further, particularly with the forecasted rise in temperatures across the country in the coming weeks.
Experts have expressed concern over the long-term impacts of this drought, particularly on agriculture and water availability.
