PMD Warns of Escalating Drought Conditions Amid Significant Rainfall Deficit
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a fresh advisory warning of worsening drought conditions across the country due to significant rainfall deficits.
The advisory, following a previous one issued on December 9, 2024, highlights the intensifying crisis caused by insufficient rainfall, particularly in key provinces like Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab.
From September 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025, Pakistan experienced a below-normal rainfall deficit of 40%, with Sindh recording a shortfall of 52%, Balochistan 45%, and Punjab 42%. The lack of substantial rainfall has failed to alleviate drought conditions, further straining the affected regions.
Affected Regions
- Punjab: Areas facing mild drought conditions include the Potohar region (Attock, Chakwal, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad) and southern districts such as Multan, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Rajanpur, and Layyah. Central regions, including Faisalabad, Sargodha, Khushab, and DG Khan, are also impacted.
- Sindh: Widespread drought-like conditions prevail in districts such as Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Padidan, Sukkur, Khairpur, Tharparkar, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, and Karachi.
- Balochistan: Areas including Ormara, Kharan, Turbat, Kech, Panjgur, Awaran, Lasbella, Nokkundi, and Dalbandin are under significant drought stress.
Dire Forecast for Coming Months
The PMD’s forecast for the remainder of the season paints a grim picture, with no significant rainfall expected in rain-fed regions of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. Above-normal temperatures projected from January to March 2025 are likely to exacerbate the situation, potentially intensifying mild drought conditions to moderate levels.
The risk of flash droughts—sudden and severe dry spells—has also been flagged due to the ongoing rainfall deficits combined with rising temperatures, a pattern consistent with the region’s climatic trends.
Urgent Measures Recommended
The PMD’s National Drought Monitoring and Early Warning Centre (NDMC) is actively monitoring the evolving situation and has called on stakeholders to implement pre-emptive measures to mitigate the potential impacts.
As the drought persists, authorities are urged to prioritize water resource management, drought mitigation planning, and support for affected communities in the hardest-hit regions.