PDMA warns of drought conditions in Sindh

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a warning about emerging drought conditions in Sindh, and sent letters in this regard to the deputy commissioners of province's 19 districts on Saturday. Seven districts of Karachi division are also in the list of the districts where low season rainfall has 'aggravated the drought conditions'.

The letter cited a report of Pakistan Meteorological Department according to which -40% downpour has been recorded in the country from September 15, 2024, to January 15. According to the PMD's advisory, mild meteorological drought conditions have already appeared in the districts of Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Nawabshah and Mirpurkhas divisions.

"The ongoing drought conditions are likely to aggravate as no significant rainfall is expected in the rain-fed areas of the province." The months of January, February and March will mark a dry season. The PDMA cautioned that a flash drought condition is also expected in the months to come owing to below normal rains.

The authority advised the farmers to keep themselves abreast of the weather alerts while the communities have been urged that they should use water sparingly. "Water scarcity can increase the spread of water-borne diseases in water stressed areas due to the use of contaminated water," the PDMA has warned.

The DCs of 19 districts of Sindh, who are also the chairmen of District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs), have been asked to take necessary precautionary measures.