Pakistan prepares for drought: PMD issues warning for several regions

A drought alert has been issued for portions of the nation by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), which warns of deteriorating conditions due to below-normal rainfall and rising temperatures.

This comes after a prior warning that was sent out on December 9, 2024. According to the PMD, Pakistan experienced 40 percent less rainfall than usual between September 1, 2024, and January 15, 2025, with Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab suffering the most.

52 percent, 45 percent, and 42 percent rainfall deficits have been documented, correspondingly. Particularly affected by the drought are regions that receive rain.

In Punjab, Attock, Chakwal, Rawalpindi, Bhakkar, Layyah, Multan, Rajanpur, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, and Dera Ghazi Khan have all reported mild drought conditions.

In Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Karachi, Hyderabad, and Tharparkar, Sindh is facing comparable circumstances. In contrast, Ormara, Kharan, Turbat, Panjgur, Lasbela, Dalbandin, and surrounding districts in Balochistan are among the impacted locations.

Due to low rainfall and above-normal temperatures, the PMD forecasted that drought conditions would likely worsen over the next few months, potentially resulting in moderate drought in certain areas.

The PMD recommended that farmers and other stakeholders take preventative action to lessen the effects of the drought. To stay informed and receive advice on how to handle the issue, farmers are urged to visit the official PMD website.