The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning about emerging drought conditions across various regions of the country due to significantly below-average rainfall.
Between September 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025, Pakistan experienced a 40% reduction in rainfall compared to normal levels. Sindh faced a 52% decrease, Balochistan 45%, and Punjab 42%. This deficit has led to mild drought conditions in several areas, including the Potohar region in Punjab, multiple districts in Sindh such as Ghotki and Karachi, and parts of Balochistan like Turbat and Lasbella.
The PMD anticipates that these conditions may worsen, especially in rain-fed regions, as no significant rainfall is expected in the near future. The persistence of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon is contributing to these dry conditions.
The NDMC is “continuously monitoring the meteorological conditions”, the advisory stated, adding the emergence of flash drought — a period of rapid drought intensification — is also anticipated in upcoming months in light of scarce rainfall and increasing temperatures.
Authorities are advised to implement pre-emptive measures to mitigate the potential impacts of the drought, PMD stated.