PMD issues drought alert after 40% below normal rains

ISLAMABAD: In an alarming development, Pakistan is in the grip of drought, this time mainly because of 40 percent below normal rains the country received and 62 percent below normal rains in Sindh.

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday issued a drought alert, saying that rainfall spells in the country improved drought conditions in central and upper parts of the country. However, drought conditions are continuing in Sindh, southern parts of Balochistan and lower eastern plain areas of Punjab. Overall, below normal rainfall (-40 percent) is observed across Pakistan from Sept 1, 2024 to March 21, 2025. Major rainfall deficits were observed in Sindh (-62 percent), Balochistan (-52 percent) and Punjab (-38 percent).

Keeping in view the current weather situation and seasonal climate outlook, the drought situation may exacerbate in Sindh, Balochistan and some areas of Punjab. In Sindh, areas like Padidan, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Karachi, Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Khairpur and Sanghar will be drought-affected areas. In Balochistan, Gwadar, Kech, Lasbela, Punjgur, Awaran, Chagai, Jaffarabad, Jhal Magsi, Sibbi, Nushki and Washuk will be drought-hit. However, in Punjab, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur and Rahim Yar Khan will be affected by drought.

The emergence of flash drought is also anticipated in upcoming months in light of the lasting rainfall deficit as well as increasing temperatures in the months to come, as per the climatology of the country. Hence, it is advised to all stakeholders to take pre-emptive measures for drought-prone areas. Farmers/agriculturists are advised to keep themselves updated from the PMD website http://www.pmd.gov.pk. Water shortage in the country has increased up to 51 per cent as the Tarbela Dam continues to be at dead level with equal inflows and outflows of 15,300 cusecs per day. Mangla has stored just 0.106 MAF water wherein inflows stand at 17,400 cusecs and outflows at 14,500 cusecs. The whole Indus system is getting inflows of 51,200 cusecs per day and outflows stand at 47,900 cusecs per day.