Pakistan among 20 countries at risk of heavy rainfall this year
As per the report published by the Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS) of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Pakistan is one of the 20 countries that may encounter the danger of heavy rainfall due to the expected return of the El Nino oceanographic phenomenon in June.
The report warns of the risk of heavy rainfall and flooding in Pakistan this year, as well as in other countries, including Afghanistan, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Paraguay, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United States, and Uzbekistan.
After three years of La Niña, the El Nino phenomenon is expected to reoccur in June 2023. Central America, Southern Africa, and Far East Asia are anticipated to experience dry weather conditions, while excessive rainfall and potential flooding are predicted for Near East Asia and East Africa.
According to the report, the El Nino phenomenon plays a significant role in causing extreme weather events that have severe implications for global food security. The report cautions that the number of individuals experiencing acute food insecurity was projected to reach up to 222 million in 53 countries/territories by 2022.
In 2022 and early 2023, the world encountered the third consecutive La Nina event, which is a rare occurrence that has only happened twice since 1950. Wet conditions in Australia and dry conditions in the US, South America, and East Africa are often linked to La Nina events.
Pakistan, a country that is already vulnerable to natural disasters, is at risk of facing yet another natural calamity. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), around 8.5 million people in the country have been affected by natural disasters over the past decade, including floods, landslides, and earthquakes. These natural disasters have caused loss of life and damage to property, infrastructure, and agriculture.
The situation is particularly alarming for the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy, providing employment opportunities to millions of people and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. The agriculture sector is already facing numerous challenges, including water scarcity, lack of modern farming techniques, and climate change.
In recent years, Pakistan has witnessed several episodes of heavy rainfall and flooding that have caused significant damage to crops, livestock, and infrastructure. For instance, in 2020, heavy monsoon rains caused widespread flooding in Sindh and Balochistan, affecting over 1.5 million people and damaging crops worth billions of rupees.
The threat of excessive rainfall and flooding this year is likely to exacerbate the challenges faced by the agriculture sector and put further strain on the country’s food security. The government and relevant authorities need to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks posed by the El Nino phenomenon and ensure the safety and well-being of the people.
Some measures that can be taken include strengthening early warning systems, improving water management practices, enhancing irrigation infrastructure, promoting climate-resilient farming techniques, and providing support to affected farmers.
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The threat of excessive rainfall and flooding posed by the El Nino phenomenon is a cause for concern for Pakistan and other countries around the world. The agriculture sector, which is already facing numerous challenges, is particularly vulnerable to the risks posed by extreme weather events. The government and relevant authorities need to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks and ensure the safety and well-being of the people. By adopting a coordinated and integrated approach, we can build resilience and ensure sustainable development in the face of climate change and natural disasters.
