No whiteout: Winter passes by without snow or rain

Prolonged drought perturbs locals who depend on water from glaciers.

CHITRAL: A prolonged drought coupled with severe cold has caused difficulties for people living in remote valleys of Chitral. It has not rained in the mountainous district for the past few months, while much of winter has also passed without snowfall.

Qadeerak, a Kalash spiritual elder, has predicted the drought will continue for the next few weeks. “This winter will last for a very short period as compared to the past,” he added.

Every year, snow falls in the district from September through March or October through April. However, thus far, no snow has been reported from across the district.

Kalash Valley, Garam Chashma, Arkari Valley, Sheeshi Koh, Tarech, Khooth, Upper Yarkhon and Brogil Valley which are usually blanketed in winter bear no signs of snow. People of these areas depend heavily on the rain and snow for their water needs and are greatly perturbed by the change in weather conditions.

The drought not only delayed the sowing of wheat and other crops but has also led to health complications among locals. Doctors in the valley say the number of patients complaining of chest problems, flu and other ailments has increased.

Locals anticipate an acute water shortage in summer this year because a lack of snowfall means lesser quantities of water stored in glaciers. This will adversely affect agriculture in the valley.

Special prayers for rain and snow are being offered across the district.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2015.