How long will monsoon rains persist in Pakistan?

ISLAMABAD: The Punjab Natural Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a flood warning for various regions of the province as heavy monsoon rains continue to lash Pakistan. The ongoing downpours have already claimed 154 lives over the past six weeks, according to officials.

Pakistan, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, is experiencing severe impacts from the current monsoon season. Last month, United Nations officials warned that the ongoing rains could affect at least 200,000 people across the country.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said that the majority of the fatalities occurred in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa due to floods triggered by the heavy rains. Authorities have cautioned that the rains are likely to increase water levels in rivers, dams, and streams, with the current monsoon expected to persist until August 14.

The NDMA further stated that low to medium flood levels in the Indus River are anticipated to continue for the next few days. An alert has been issued for potential flooding in the Indus River, as well as in rivers adjoining the Chenab and Ravi rivers.

In Sialkot, PDMA Punjab has reported a flood situation in the ‘Nala Dek’ stream, prompting the local administration to remain vigilant. Irfan Kathia, head of PDMA Punjab, assured that all necessary precautions have been taken to mitigate the impact of potential floods. He also urged citizens to take necessary safety measures during the rainy season.

Flood crisis re-emerges in Sindh

After heavy monsoon rains in Pakistan’s southern province of Sindh, floodwaters are once again inundating barren areas along the Indus River and small coastal villages. The NDMA has issued warnings of potential urban flooding as the situation worsens, urging residents in affected areas to evacuate.

The proximity to the sea has exacerbated the crisis, particularly in regions with numerous fish farms that produce both freshwater and saltwater species. These farms, vital for both local consumption and export, are now under threat as floodwaters encroach upon them.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah is actively coordinating efforts to address the looming urban flooding. He recently met with Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at Bilawal House in Karachi, where he briefed him on the measures being taken to manage the flood situation in Sindh.

Earlier, the provincial government convened a crucial meeting in Thatta district — a region where the Indus River meets the Arabian Sea. The meeting included local representatives, NGO leaders, the deputy commissioner of Thatta, SSP Thatta, and other senior officials. The local administration called on all stakeholders to collaborate in managing the challenges posed by the ongoing rains.

Residents of the affected areas are not only facing the immediate dangers of flooding from rainwater but are also contending with the destructive impact of rising sea levels. Saltwater intrusion into residential areas has damaged crops and displaced communities, compounding the devastation.

Also read: Heavy rains flood Islamabad roads, rain emergency imposed in Rawalpindi

In the desert regions of Sindh, where rainfall is usually a source of joy, the changing climate has brought anxiety. Farmers in the Badin district, which borders the Tharparkar region, have been enduring significant losses during the monsoon season for several years. Fayaz Alam Buledi, a farmer from Tando Bhago in Badin, shared his struggles, stating that his seven-acre farm, where he grows tomatoes and chilies, has suffered heavy losses due to excessive rains and flooding.

Despite being adjacent to the desert, the area is highly fertile, producing fruits and vegetables for markets in Karachi. However, the abnormal weather patterns and increased flooding have severely impacted agriculture, leaving farmers like Buledi grappling with uncertainty.