The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a drought alert for Sindh, Balochistan, and Punjab due to significantly below-average rainfall. Despite recent rain spells providing relief in central and northern regions, drought conditions are expected to persist in these southern provinces.
The PMD reported temperatures 2-3 degrees Celsius above normal in the lower half of the country this month, with some southern areas experiencing over 200 consecutive dry days, further intensifying the drought.
Affected Areas
- Sindh: Moderate drought is expected in Padidan, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Khairpur, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, and Karachi. Mild drought conditions may impact Ghotki, Jacobabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Sanghar.
- Balochistan: Gwadar, Kech, Lasbela, Panjgur, and Awaran face moderate drought, while Chagai, Jaffarabad, Jhal Magsi, Sibbi, Nushki, and Washuk are expected to experience mild drought conditions.
- Punjab: Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan in southern Punjab are predicted to be the most affected.
Rainfall Shortfall and Water Scarcity
From September 1, 2024, to March 21, 2025, rainfall was 40% below normal across Pakistan. The most affected regions include Sindh (-62%), Balochistan (-52%), and Punjab (-38%).
Water levels in Tarbela and Mangla dams have reached critical lows, with Tarbela at 1,402 feet and Mangla at 1,061.75 feet, both at dead-level capacity. Rising temperatures, recorded between 1 to 7 degrees Celsius above normal from March 15 to 21, are likely to worsen the situation, increasing water demand and further reducing soil moisture levels.
The PMD’s National Drought Monitoring & Early Warning Centre is closely observing the situation, cautioning that flash droughts may occur in the coming months due to continued rainfall deficits and high temperatures.
