ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has witnessed its “wettest April since 1961,” with rainfall measuring more than double the usual amount for the month, the country’s weather agency said in a report, AFP reported.
In its monthly climate report released late Friday, Pakistan’s metrology department stated that April’s rainfall stood at 59.3 millimetres, significantly surpassing the normal average of 22.5 millimetres. The report noted at least 144 deaths attributed to thunderstorms and house collapses triggered by the heavy rains, marking it as the “wettest April since 1961.”
Climate change, highlighted as a major contributing factor to the erratic weather patterns, has made Pakistan increasingly vulnerable to unpredictable weather events. Zaheer Ahmad Babar, spokesperson for the Pakistan Meteorological Department, emphasized the influence of climate change on the region’s weather.
While many parts of Asia are experiencing heatwaves, Pakistan’s national monthly temperature for April was reported as 23.67 degrees Celsius, nearly a degree lower than the average. The southwestern province of Balochistan experienced the highest rainfall, recording 437 percent more rainfall than the average.
Despite Pakistan contributing less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, the country is highly vulnerable to extreme weather exacerbated by global warming. The recent heavy rains resulted in significant casualties, with the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province reporting the highest death toll, including a tragic loss of 38 children, and extensive damage to homes.
The UN children’s agency, UNICEF, has called for urgent action to protect children from the impacts of climate change, stressing the “extremely high risk” faced by children in Pakistan. Despite aid efforts, millions of children still require humanitarian assistance due to flood-affected areas.
The heavy rains also caused damage to crops in Punjab, the most populous province, impacting the wheat harvest, a crucial food source in a country grappling with economic challenges. The UN humanitarian agency OCHA highlighted significant economic losses for local farmers and communities due to the destruction of crops.
Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters is further compounded by heatwaves and severe air pollution. Experts emphasize the need for effective governance and infrastructure to mitigate these challenges, urging governments to prioritize climate relief measures.
Ahmad Rafay Alam, an environment lawyer and activist, emphasized the urgent need for climate mitigation and relief measures, criticizing the government’s focus on political matters over climate resilience.
