Weather Extremes in Pakistan: Rising Rainfall and Flash Flood Warnings, A Stark Reflection on Climate Change

Pakistan is bracing for yet another bout of heavy rainfall, prompting the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to issue a nationwide alert. Over the next three days, a significant wet spell is expected to prevail and impact its large portion. While short-term measures are being taken to mitigate immediate risks, these events serve as alarming reminders of climate change and the growing impact of weather extremes in Pakistan on infrastructure, and public safety.

What’s Happening? NDMA’s Nationwide Alert About Weather Extremes in Pakistan

The National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) under the NDMA, reported that a three-day weather-impact outlook has been released. The forecast indicates widespread moderate to heavy rainfall due to moisture inflows from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. This has raised significant concern over flash flooding, especially near nullahs (streams) and low-lying areas, indicating weather extremes in Pakistan.

Rising river flows in Indus, Kabul, Jhelum (upstream of Mangla), and Chenab rivers are expected. Flood levels are climbing at key barrages, including Tarbela, Guddu, Kalabagh, Chashma, and Taunsa. Several areas are on high alert, including Dera Ghazi Khan and districts in Balochistan such as Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Sibi, Loralai, Zhob, and Khuzdar, among others. Northern regions including Gilgit-Baltistan, Swat, Murree, Galliyat, and Mansehra are also facing heightened risks of landslides and road blockages.

A Pattern Emerges: Climate Change Behind Weather Extremes in Pakistan

This latest alert is not an isolated weather event. Rather, it is part of a larger, recurring pattern that reflects the reality of climate change and weather extremes in Pakistan. Pakistan continuously ranks among the top 10 countries most vulnerable to climate change. The recurring extreme rainfall, flash floods, glacial lake outbursts, and unpredictable weather have become the new norm in the country. Here’s how climate change is intensifying disasters and weather extremes in Pakistan:

1. Increased Monsoon Variability:

The monsoon season, once predictable, is now erratic, and often unleashing more intense and widespread rainfall than usual. This increase in precipitation is a direct result of the rising global temperatures, which increase evaporation and lead to heavier downpours.

2. Glacial Melting and River Surges:

The warming atmosphere is also accelerating the melting of glaciers in the north. When combined with the seasonal rains, this causes dangerously high river flows and increases the risk of floods in downstream areas.

3. Urban Flooding and Poor Drainage:

Many Pakistani cities have poor drainage systems, and urban flooding has become a frequent nightmare there. Rapid and unplanned urbanization without adequate climate adaptation measures only worsens the problem.

4. Deforestation and Land Degradation:

Regions like Swat, Murree, and Galliyat have seen excessive tree cutting and land degradation. This has not only increased runoff and landslides but has also reduced the land’s ability to retain water, leading to more floods.

Preparedness and Prevention: NDMA’s Role and Public Responsibility

While NDMA has taken swift action by issuing alerts regarding weather extremes in Pakistan and monitoring the situation, the public also has an important role to play:

• Avoid unnecessary travel, particularly in hilly areas prone to landslides.

• Stay away from flood-prone zones, including the riverbanks and nullahs.

• Prepare emergency kits with essentials like food, water, medicine, and flashlight.

• Regularly follow the local authorities and weather updates regularly.

A Wake-Up Call: The Need for Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

The recent NDMA alert regarding weather extremes in Pakistan should be seen as an urgent wake-up call for climate action. It’s high time we:

• Invest in sustainable urban planning, including effective drainage and green spaces.

• Reforestation on degraded lands to reduce the risk of landslides and flash floods.

• Strengthening early warning systems and community-based disaster preparedness.

• Transition to renewable energy sources in order to cut down greenhouse gas emissions.

Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility in a Changing Climate and Weather Extremes in Pakistan

The increasing frequency of weather extremes in Pakistan is not a fluke - it is a consequence of human-induced climate change. Pakistan’s vulnerabilities, particularly in high-altitude and low-lying flood-prone areas, demand urgent attention at both policy and community levels. As the rains pour down and rivers swell, this is not just a seasonal cycle - but it’s a signal of climate change and weather extremes in Pakistan. 

Climate change is here, and unless we act decisively, its impacts will continue to devastate lives, and infrastructure, and ecosystems. So stay informed to weather extremes in Pakistan, stay prepared, and most importantly, stay committed to climate action.