The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of a drought like situation in most parts of the country.
From September 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025, Pakistan had 40 per cent less rainfall than usual.
Significant differences in rainfall were noticed in Sindh, with 52 per cent less rain than usual, Balochistan with 45 per cent less, and Punjab with 42 per cent less.
Drought in provinces
In Pakistan Punjab, light drought conditions were seen in the Potohar area, which includes Attock, Chakwal, Rawalpindi/Islamabad, as well as Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Rajanpur, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, and D.G. Khan.
In Sindh, Pakistan: the areas of Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Padidan, Sukkur, Khairpur, Tharparkar, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, and Karachi are facing this condition.
In Balochistan, places like Ormara, Kharan, Turbat, Kech, Panjgur, Awaran, Lasbella, Nokkundi, Dalbandin, and nearby areas were experiencing a similar situation.
The PMD predicts that drought conditions will likely get worse in the next few months because of low rainfall and higher-than-normal temps. This could cause moderate drought in some areas.
The PMD also said that between January and March 2025, we can expect the bad climate effects of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) to continue.
The PMD recommended that government take action now to lessen the effects of the drought. Farmers are advised to check the PMD’s official website for help in dealing with the problem.
