Winter showers mitigate drought vulnerability

Ongoing rain spell to improve surface and underground water levels, says experts

QUETTA: Balochistan has received heavy rainfall during the current spell, which would improve the surface water level and the underground water table and help overcome climate change issues in the province, agricultural experts said on Thursday.

The heavy showers with thunderstorm lashed Quetta and adjoining area on Sunday night. The winter shower spell is seen as a boon for those associated with the agriculture and livestock sectors, which are heavily dependent on rainfall.



Agriculture department officials said the winter showers had extensive benefits. “Rain clears the air, replenishes aquifers, allows plants to grow and eventually fills streams, rivers, lakes and ponds,” an official said.

He added that rain increased humidity in the air, which was beneficial for animal life. “The current rain turned weather colder and in certain areas it would mitigate the vulnerability to drought.”



The groundwater systems take decades to respond to the present-day impact of climate change. They are slowly replenished through rainfall, the official said.

A farmer said the population of Balochistan largely relied on rainwater, thus the current rain spell could form a suitable base for agriculture.