The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning about the potential for drought conditions due to significantly below-average rainfall across the country.
According to the PMD, Pakistan received 40% less rainfall than usual from September 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025. Sindh saw the largest shortfall, with 52% less rainfall, followed by Balochistan at 45% and Punjab at 42%.
Recent rainfall spells have been insufficient, failing to bring substantial rain to the plains and worsening the drought situation. Mild drought conditions have been observed in several areas, with the likelihood of these conditions intensifying in the coming months.
Affected Areas:
- Punjab: Potohar region (Attock, Chakwal, Rawalpindi/Islamabad), Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Rajanpur, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, and DG Khan.
- Sindh: Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Padidan, Sukkur, Khairpur, Tharparkar, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, and Karachi.
- Balochistan: Ormara, Kharan, Turbat, Kech, Panjgur, Awaran, Lasbella, Nokkundi, Dalbandin, and surrounding areas.
The PMD has warned that the drought conditions are likely to worsen, especially in rain-fed areas of Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan. The second half of the season, from January to March, is expected to be drier, with above-normal temperatures possibly exacerbating the situation.
Authorities have been urged to take preventive measures to mitigate the drought’s impact, particularly in the most affected regions.
