Pakistan has encountered its wettest April since 1961, witnessing over double the average rainfall for the month, announced the country’s meteorological department.
Pakistan has encountered its wettest April since 1961, witnessing over double the average rainfall for the month, announced the country’s meteorological department. The April rainfall, measuring 59.3mm (2.3 inches), significantly surpassed the usual average of 22.5mm (0.9 inches), as revealed in the department’s monthly climate report released late on Friday.
The southwestern province of Balochistan faced the brunt of this deluge, experiencing a staggering 437 percent increase in rainfall compared to the average. However, alongside the downpour, tragic consequences unfolded as at least 144 individuals lost their lives in thunderstorms and house collapses triggered by the heavy rains throughout April.
The province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the northwest bore the highest toll, with 84 casualties, including 38 children, and over 3,500 homes damaged. While much of Asia grapples with scorching heatwaves, Pakistan defied the trend with its national monthly temperature for April recorded at 23.67 degrees Celsius (74.6 degrees Fahrenheit), 0.87C lower than the average of 24.54C.
“Climate change is a major factor influencing the erratic weather patterns in our region,” remarked Zaheer Ahmad Babar, spokesperson for the Pakistan Meteorological Department.
The recent report underscores a persistent climate challenge for Pakistan. In 2022, torrential downpours swelled rivers and inundated a third of the country, claiming 1,739 lives and causing $30 billion in damages, from which Pakistan is still recovering. Balochistan and Karachi, in particular, witnessed rainfall at alarming levels, surpassing averages by 590 percent and 726 percent, respectively.
The United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA highlighted the extensive damage to crops, especially wheat, resulting in significant economic losses for local farmers and communities, compounding rain-related losses.
Meanwhile, beyond the deluge, Pakistan grapples with additional environmental crises. Heatwaves and severe air pollution plague various regions, exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and governance.
“Climate change-related incidents occur almost annually now, yet we remain ill-prepared,” lamented environmental lawyer and activist Ahmad Rafay Alam. “It’s incumbent upon our provincial and federal governments to prioritize climate relief and mitigation measures. However, their focus appears primarily fixated on political matters,” Alam added.
The recent events underscore the urgent need for Pakistan to address climate change impacts comprehensively, from disaster preparedness to sustainable infrastructure development. As extreme weather events become increasingly frequent, proactive measures and international collaboration are paramount to mitigate risks and safeguard vulnerable communities.