KARACHI: According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), a major decrease in rainfall has warranted a drought alert for several districts across Sindh, such as Karachi.
In Sindh, seasonal precipitation has reduced by some 52%, sparking fears of drought. PMD has indicated that a further stretch of dry is in the cards up to February and March, which will worsen the drought situation. The districts that are most at risk include Naushahro Feroze, Sukkur, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Jamshoro.
The drought alert is for Sindh and other provinces, as most of the country has registered below-normal rainfall, with a 40% reduction for the period between September 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025.
In Balochistan, a 45% reduction was observed, while Punjab saw a 42% reduction. The meteorological department has warned of minor drought-like conditions emerging in different regions of the country, including Potohar, comprising Attock, Chakwal, and Rawalpindi/Islamabad. Some districts of Punjab, like Bhakkar, Layyah, and Multan, are reporting mild drought conditions.
The PMD has directed Karachi deputy commissioners to spice up dry alternatives to deal with the effects of drought, while district administrations in Khairpur and Tharparkar were told to adopt precautionary measures.
Drought is likely to cause severe damage to the agricultural production of the country, an important sector of Pakistan’s economy. The drop in crop output is being reported already, and additional delay in rains may worsen matters.
The warning given by the PMD speaks clearly that the country must address the situations in the field soon to afford relief to the agricultural sector.
