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A drought alert has been issued in Pakistan due to persistently below-normal rainfall over the past three months. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that drought conditions may intensify as below-normal rainfall is expected to continue into December.
According to a report by Pak Observer on Wednesday, from September to November 2024, rainfall across the country has remained deficient, with some areas experiencing prolonged dry spells. Nokundi in Balochistan recorded the highest number of consecutive dry days (205), while Shaheed Benazirabad in Sindh and Bahawalnagar in Punjab reported a minimum of 95 consecutive dry days.
Rainfed areas and several districts in Sindh, including Mohenjodaro, Larkana, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Hyderabad, are facing mild meteorological drought conditions. In Balochistan, moderate drought-like conditions have emerged in regions such as Nokundi, Dalbandin, Turbat, and Kharan. Punjab’s Potohar region and southern districts, including Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan, are also experiencing mild drought conditions.
The PMD forecasts below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures in the coming months, potentially worsening drought conditions in Sindh and Punjab. This could significantly impact agriculture and livestock, especially in rainfed areas where water stress is already evident due to limited irrigation supplies for Rabi crops.
While parts of Balochistan may benefit from upcoming weather changes and water-saving techniques, stakeholders are urged to take proactive measures. Farmers and agriculturists are advised to stay updated via the PMD website to mitigate the effects of the ongoing drought.
