PMD Warns of Severe Drought in Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a Drought Alert, warning that severe drought conditions persist across several regions despite recent rainfall. According to the National Drought Monitoring Centre (NDMC), below-normal rainfall (-40%) was recorded across the country from September 1, 2024, to March 21, 2025.

The worst-affected regions include Sindh (-62%), Balochistan (-52%), and Punjab (-38%), where significant rainfall deficits continue to impact local communities and agricultural activities.

Water Shortage & Rising Temperatures

The report highlights an acute water shortage in Tarbela and Mangla dams, with water levels dropping to dangerously low points. Additionally, rivers in the lower half of the country are flowing at extremely low levels, raising concerns about water availability in the coming months.

The mean temperature in March 2025 has been recorded at 2-3°C above normal, intensifying dry conditions. In some southern areas, consecutive dry days have exceeded 200, worsening the situation for farmers and local populations.

Drought-Affected Areas

The PMD has identified multiple districts where these conditions are expected to exacerbate:

Sindh (Moderate Drought)

• Padidan, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Karachi

Balochistan (Moderate Drought)

• Gwadar, Chaghi, Kech, Lasbella, Awaran, Panjgur, Sibbi

Punjab (Mild Drought)

• Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan

The NDMC warns that a flash drought may develop in the coming months due to persistent rainfall deficits and rising temperatures. Farmers and stakeholders are advised to take pre-emptive measures to mitigate potential losses.