PMD Drought Advisory: ‘Situation is worsening across western & south-western Balochistan’

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a Drought Advisory (Pre-Alert), depicting worsening situation across western and south-western Balochistan.

The pre-alert is an extension to the drought watch first announced on 27 October 2025, as the department reports that the rainfall deficit across western and south-western Balochistan has worsened between May and November 2025, while the number of Consecutive Dry Days (CDD) has also increased.

This combination of reduced rainfall and prolonged dry spells is likely to further intensify drought conditions in the affected regions.

According to PMD, climatological patterns and the seasonal forecast for December 2025 to February 2026 indicate below-normal rainfall and above-normal temperatures. These conditions are expected to aggravate drought impacts in western and south-western Balochistan.

Districts including Chagai, Gwadar, Kech, Kharan, Mastung, Nushki, Pishin, Panjgur, Killa Abdullah, Quetta, and Washuk have been placed under the Drought Advisory (Pre-Alert) category.

However, a rainfall system is expected to affect parts of Balochistan later this month, which may provide partial relief and help reduce the severity of drought conditions. The National Drought Monitoring and Early Warning Centre (NDMC) of PMD in Islamabad continue to closely monitor drought conditions across the country.

The department has advised farmers, agricultural planners, and relevant institutions to stay alert and follow the latest advisories and forecasts available on the PMD website.

Authorities have urged early preparedness measures such as positioning fodder and water tanks, mobilizing mobile health and veterinary teams, and spreading drought alerts through SMS, mosques, and community centers to promote careful water use in agriculture and livestock.

They also stress the need for coordination with NGOs for contingency support and targeted subsidies for smallholder farmers, along with improving water storage and encouraging efficient irrigation methods in hotspot union councils.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025