Drought-Stricken Pakistan Receives Heaviest Snowfall in 48 Years

Pakistan is seeing an unusually wet winter this year after a very long drought. The country's northern areas received up to 1.8 and 2.1 m (6 and 7 feet) snowfall in January and the first week of February 2019, the heaviest in 48 years. Other parts of the country have seen torrential rains and flooding that required launching of relief efforts by Pakistani military and national and provincial disaster management agencies.

Pakistan Rain and Snow. Source: AccuWeather
Abdul Wali Yousafzai, a senior officer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa irrigation department told Anadolu Agency that the "snowfall and rain will not only help to raise our water table but also be beneficial for our forests that had been affected by drought".  Prime Minister Imran Khan also welcomed it as "a blessing from God".  "The rainfall will raise the water table while the snow will melt into our river. It's a blessing from God," he said.

Unusually wet weather in arid Balochistan has caused deaths, injuries, property losses and displacement of people. At least 13 people are dead and dozens have been injured in the province. In addition, 1,970 houses having collapsed, 565 buildings partially damaged and 227 shops destroyed, according to Balochistan Disaster Management Agency.

Lack of rain and snow has caused recurring droughts in Pakistan since 2000 hitting hard the local population in many parts of Pakistan, Islamic Relief NGO reported February 11. The situation since 2013 has been particularly alarming due to 74% decrease in rainfall impacting hard on water management, agriculture, livestock, health, food security and livelihoods. It is in this context that the heavy snow and rains are being welcomed in the country. This offers at least temporary relief in a drought-stricken land.

The big picture is that Pakistan remains beset by a severe water crisis that could pose an existential threat if nothing is done to deal with it.  The total per capita water availability is about 900 cubic meters per person, putting the country in the water-stressed category. Agriculture sector uses about 95% of the available water. There are significant opportunities to achieve greater efficiency by using drip irrigation systems being introduced in Punjab. The New Water Policy of 2018 is a good start but it requires continued attention with greater investments and focus to deal with all aspects of the crisis.

Here's a video discussion on the subject:

https://youtu.be/nrfF3ppBzpo





Related Links:

Haq's Musings

South Asia Investor Review

Winter Sports in Pakistan

Groundwater Depletion in Pakistan

Water Scarce Pakistan

Cycles of Drought and Floods in Pakistan

Pakistan to Build Massive Dams

Dust Bowl in Thar Desert Region

Dasht River in Balochistan

Comments

Riaz Haq said…
Pakistan set for bumper wheat crop this season in wake of belated rains

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/446979-pakistan-set-for-bumper-wheat-crop-this-season-in-wake-of-belated-rains

Pakistan is likely to have a fairly good wheat crop this year as belated rainfalls and unexpected snowfalls replenished water supplies for winter crops, official data showed on Thursday.

However, conclusive forecasts could be made by end of the current month.

Indus River System Authority (Irsa) revised down water shortage for winter crops to less than 30 percent from 38 percent earlier projected for the October-March period due to below normal rains in the October-December period that dampened outlook for wheat and other crops.

More than expected snowfall and belated rains replenished water supplies. Rabi shortfall is likely to drastically come down owing to better river water availability.

Extraordinary long cold weather and wet conditions provide excellent conditions for wheat crop.

The positive impact of such conditions outweighed sporadic negative effects.

There have been several rain spells coupled with hailstorms since mid-January. Inundation of fields led to yellowing of leafs which is basically an indication of zinc deficiency. Such conditions used to be witnessed in paddy fields where abundance of water used to create zinc deficiency. Leaf rust disease in wheat fields in several northern and central districts in patches was also an outcome of such peculiar weather conditions in which cold temperatures, cloudy days and high humidity provide perfect recipe for spread of rust.

Windy conditions in the last few days are, however, adding to the miseries of farmers as they result in lodging of standing wheat crop in various districts.

The flattened wheat plants could reduce yield at an advance stage.

Sowing of sugarcane has been delayed due to wet conditions and it is feared that most of the crop would be delayed. Planting of spring corn is also facing delays as sowing is not possible in the wet fields. Harvesting of potatoes also came to standstills due to persistent wet weather. In some areas, it is being reported that ripen potatoes are spoiled because of soaked soil.

Sowing of water melon also got affected as a result of sustained rainy weather. Planting of peanut is also done in March but could not be initiated due to unfavourable weather.

The rare weather swing — from dry in early Rabi season to wet conditions – may have some implications for wheat but overall it supports agronomy of the crop. Rains also help address water shortage both for wheat and gram crops as well. The overall impact, however, is yet to be assessed by the official quarters.

From March 24, it is likely that mercury would surely surpass 30-centigrade threshold, which is not good for wheat. Till end of March, temperature should be below that for optimal maturity of crop. A weather alert said a heat wave is being anticipated as an anti cyclone is forming over South Pakistan, due to which hot winds would travel from Indian state of Rajasthan to South Punjab and Sindh.

The hot northeasterly winds would be responsible for increase in day temperatures between March 26 and 30. South Punjab and many parts of Sindh would see steep rise and maximum temperature may reach 38°C-40°C, paving way for extremely uneasy weather conditions which may not good for wheat and other crops.
Riaz Haq said…
No relief in sight from extreme #heatwave of 40.6 C to 43.3C in #Pakistan. Cyclone Vayu is offsetting the normal onshore winds and causing offshore winds, allowing heat to build in #Karachi and other cities Pakistan, and over the border into western #India https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/weeks-long-heat-wave-tightening-its-grip-on-pakistan-and-it-wont-let-up-for-weeks/70008559

Cyclone Vayu will not be helping to bring relief to the heatwave in parts of Pakistan, where above-normal temperatures are unlikely to let up at least until the end of June. Temperatures were hot there this week -- the mercury climbed to 107 F on Thursday and AccuWeather RealFeel Temperatures ranged from 105 F to 110 (40.6 C to 43.3) in recent days.

The counterclockwise wind flow around Cyclone Vayu is offsetting the normal onshore winds and causing offshore winds, allowing heat to build in Karachi and other cities Pakistan, and over the border into western India, according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jim Andrews.

It's unusual for Pakistan to have offshore winds at this time of the year.

Temperatures have risen abnormally high levels in parts of Pakistan and spilled into western India, the southwestern monsoon that usually cools the region lagging behind schedule.

One of the hottest locations in Pakistan, the city of Jacobabad, hit at least 100 degrees F (37.8 C) on all but two days in May. And the scorching temperatures have continued this month. Every day in June has been above 100 degrees so far for the city, which kicked off the month with a sweltering 124 degrees (51.1 C) on June 1 and 2. This peak in temperature was 4 degrees shy of Pakistan's all-time national high of 128.3 degrees F (53.5 C), and 3 degrees shy of the city's record high.
Riaz Haq said…
More than 150 killed as #monsoon floods sweep away homes and people in #SouthAsia. Death toll: #Nepal 67, #India 50, #Bangladesh 34, #Pakistan 23 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/monsoon-season-2019-floods-india-nepal-pakistan-bangladesh-death-toll-rhinos-today-2019-07-16/ via @CBSNews

New Delhi, India -- Torrential monsoon rains swept away homes and triggered landslides across South Asia, affecting millions of people and claiming at least 180 lives, officials said Tuesday. The monsoon is crucial for irrigation and groundwater supplies in the impoverished region -- home to a fifth of the world's population -- and brings relief after the unforgiving summers. But the downpours from June to September can turn deadly and have wreaked havoc again this year.


Across India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, people, dwellings and boats in remote low-lying areas have been washed away.

Nepal
In Nepal, at least 67 people have died although flood waters have started receding. Images showed rescuers using inflatable dinghies to evacuate families trapped in flooded houses.

India
Nearly 50 people have been killed in India, with two eastern states -- Assam and Bihar, which borders Nepal -- bearing the brunt of the deluge. Authorities in Assam declared a red alert Monday as the flood situation turned critical, with villages cut off by surging waters and a major highway submerged.

Photos showed residents crammed in boats carrying their belongings to safer areas in Morigaon, one of the worst-affected districts, and just the roofs of submerged homes above water. So far 11 people have died in the state and some 83,000 people displaced by flooding.

INDIA-DISASTER
Indian fire brigade personnel and rescue workers look for survivors after a building collapsed in Mumbai, July 16, 2019.
GETTY
In the jam-packed industrial hub of Mumbai, the rains caused a four-storey residential building to collapse -- a regular occurrence in the country where loosely-enforced building regulations leave many edifices standing on weak foundations.

Officials rushed to dig any survivors out of the rubble. Three people were quickly removed and transported to an area hospital, but their conditions were unclear. At least two people were confirmed dead, and local politician Amin Patel told The Associated Press at the scene that there was "still a chance of about 10 to 12 families trapped under the rubble."

Patel said national military and rescue teams were on their way to join in the frantic rescue efforts.

Authorities also scrambled to reach animals marooned by the deluge at the state's World-Heritage listed Kaziranga National Park, which is home to two-thirds of the world's one-horned rhinos.


In Bihar, 24 deaths were reported, with 2.5 million residents affected.


Among the dead were three children who drowned as they went to check the rising water level in a canal. Two others died while playing near a ditch filled with floodwater, the Press Trust of India reported.

Bangladesh
At least five children drowned in Bangladesh on Monday, taking the toll in the country to 34, including 18 hit by lightning and seven who drowned after their boat capsized in choppy waters in the Bay of Bengal.


Hundreds of thousands have been marooned by floodwater in the country's north, with one of the major Himalayan rivers, the Brahmaputra, swollen to 40 inches above the "danger level," officials said.

Pakistan
Further northwest, in the Pakistan-administered part of the Kashmir region, flash floods killed 23 people and damaged 120 houses, with the water and power supplies crippled.

The United Nations said Monday it "stands ready to work with the authorities in the affected countries as they respond to the humanitarian needs resulting from this ongoing monsoon season."
Riaz Haq said…
Use of greenhouses and other modern cultivation techniques helping increase #fruits and #vegetables production in #Faisalabad, #Pakistan. Use of drip #irrigation saving precious #water. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2060545/1-seeds-change-greenhouse-step-towards-sustainable-agriculture/


Innovation is contagious and more so if it contributes to productivity and output. Even while much of Pakistan is far behind in the race for newer and efficient ways to produce fresh fruit and vegetables, a farm in Faisalabad is making significant gains.

A farm owner in Pakistan’s textile hub is trying the latest tricks of the trade to cultivate crops throughout the year.

“We have imported machinery from Turkey to build the state-of-the-art greenhouses in Faisalabad,” said Waseem Afzal.
His sprawling farm sits on 25 acres, and he is willing to experiment with the land. Much of Afzal’s produce ends up selling in his stores in Lahore and other urban locations.

According to the experts, greenhouses provide a controlled environment, which allows vegetables and fruits to grow year-round.

The use of greenhouses and other modern cultivation techniques have helped Afzal increase his produce. He introduced drip irrigation to his farms, among other tweaks to traditional practices.
Relatively inexpensive and easy to install, the drip irrigation system helps maximize plant health due to the reduced moisture levels.

Afzal said drip irrigation helps him save more than 50% water. Listing the benefits of using greenhouses, the farm owner said the crops come out sturdier.
Through the greenhouses, Afzal has successfully been able to cultivate a wide variety of crops. These include wheat, cucumber, zucchini, and tomatoes all year round and against all the weather related challenges.

“Greenhouses are playing a very important role in countries like the Netherlands, Israel, and India,” said Afzal, a strong proponent of new agricultural techniques.

“The future of agriculture in Pakistan is greenhouses,” he added. “Crops are allowed to grow in a controlled environment in such facilities, which limits the chances of damage,” he explained.

According to experts, farmers who experiment with techniques like tunnel farming would also be able to boost their yield. Tunnel farming operates on the principle of creating summer-like conditions during winter. It allows farmers to cultivate these vegetables during winter, making them available throughout the year.

Afzal believes such techniques would prevent the shortage of vegetables and make the country self-sufficient.

Commenting on the use of greenhouses and other cost-effective ways to cultivate, Punjab Agriculture Department Director General Dr Anjum Ali said: “Such techniques allow us to produce vegetables and other crops free from the fear of pesticides.”

“Producing our crops in a controlled environment makes them more desirable in the international market,” he added.

According to Dr Ali, farmers, who employ drip irrigation, and greenhouse techniques, receive subsidies from the government.
Riaz Haq said…
#NASA issues satellite images of historic rains & record floods in #Pakistan's #Sindh comparing 2020 monsoon (right) with 2019, using a combination of infrared & visible light (bands 7-2-1) to make it easier to see the boundary between water (blue/black) & land vegetation (green)

https://twitter.com/haqsmusings/status/1309654003387514880?s=20

https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/147330/extreme-monsoon-rains-in-pakistan

A heavy monsoon season has caused fatal flooding across Pakistan in 2020. More than 400 people have died since mid-June; another 400 were injured; and more than 200,000 homes were damaged or destroyed.

The Sindh province in southeastern Pakistan, which received historic amounts of rain, has been the most affected region. The images above show a portion of Sindh on (September 21, 2020) compared to the same time last year (September 21, 2019). The false-color images, acquired by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on NASA’s Terra satellite, use a combination of infrared and visible light (bands 7-2-1) to make it easier to see the boundary between water and land. Water appears navy blue and black; vegetation is bright green.

Sindh was hit by sporadic heavy rains in July and experienced record-breaking rainfall in August. Karachi, the provincial capital and country’s most populous city, recorded the most August rainfall in 89 years of record keeping. Karachi received around 490 millimeters (19 inches) of rain for the month—more than 200 millimeters occurred within twelve hours. According to news reports, some of the urban flooding was the result of clogged stormwater drains.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported heavy rains in late August in other parts of the province, affecting the districts of Mīrpur Khās, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana. The Karachi, Hyderbad, and Mīrpur Khās districts were declared “calamity-affected areas.” More than 2 million people across Sindh Province have been affected by monsoon rains this year, with 68,000 residents displaced in relief camps.

The government also reported that nearly one million acres of crops have also been destroyed by the flooding. Fields of cotton, vegetables, onions, tomatoes, and sugarcane have been affected.

Monsoon season generally lasts from mid-June through September. As of September 24, the PMD reported normal flow along the Indus and several other key rivers in the country.

NASA Earth Observatory images by Lauren Dauphin, using MODIS data from NASA EOSDIS/LANCE and GIBS/Worldview. Story by Kasha Patel.
Riaz Haq said…
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors today approved $200 million in financing to support Pakistan in transforming the agricultural sector by adopting climate-smart technologies to improve water-use efficiency, build resilience to extreme weather events and increase incomes of small farmers.

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2022/07/15/world-bank-supports-pakistan-to-increase-agricultural-resilience-and-protect-small-farmers-from-climate-change-impacts-i

The agricultural sector in Punjab is central to the Pakistan’s economy and food security as it accounts for 73 percent of the country’s total food production. The Punjab Resilient and Inclusive Agriculture Transformation Project (PRIAT) will increase agricultural productivity through efficient and equitable access to water for small farms. It will support farmers at the community and household levels to adopt climate-smart farming practices and technologies that improve crop yields and conserve water resources in Punjab.

“In recent years Pakistan’s agriculture sector has suffered from losses in crop yields and livestock, damage to irrigation infrastructure, and food shortages due to climate change, particularly severe droughts in the Punjab province,” said Najy Benhassine, World Bank Country Director for Pakistan. “This project aligns with the Punjab Agriculture Policy 2018, which promotes massive expansion of water conservation efforts, enhancing sustainability and resilience in the wake of climate change, and private sector participation to help boost the productivity of the sector.”

PRIAT will support farmers implement innovative, climate-smart technologies to help the Punjab government achieve economies of scale to transform the agricultural sector. The project will engage the private sector in sourcing appropriate technologies and providing training tailored for water user associations and individual households to improve water conservation practices and agriculture productivity.

“The agriculture sector has a huge opportunity to both build climate resilience and improve economic conditions by generating access to domestic and international markets,” said Guo Li, Task Team Leader for the project. “PRIAT will help accelerate the government’s efforts to transform the agri-food system through market-oriented production activities that add value, increase competitiveness and generate higher incomes for farmers.”

The project will benefit about 190,000 small, family-owned farms and 1.4 million acres of irrigated land in rural communities in the province. It will also provide training to small- and medium-sized farm owners on water conservation and more sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural practices, including for women. About 74 percent of women in the province rely on agriculture as a source of livelihood.

The World Bank in Pakistan

Pakistan has been a member of the World Bank since 1950. Since then, the World Bank has provided $40 billion in assistance. The World Bank’s program in Pakistan is governed by the Country Partnership Strategy for FY2015-2020 with four priority areas of engagement: energy, private sector development, inclusion, and service delivery. The current portfolio has 60 projects and a total commitment of $14.2 billion.


Riaz Haq said…
Tarbela Dam is 96 feet away from touching its maximum level of 1550 feet as it has already attained level of 1494 feet on Friday against 1398 feet a day earlier, said sources from Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

https://www.brecorder.com/news/40186234


They said the Dam had registered a gain of 96 feet in last 10 days. It may be noted that the Dam was at the level of 1405 feet on 1st of July when monsoon weather had hit the country. In other words, said the sources, the Dam was possessing one percent storage of its total capacity on 1st of May which has risen to 49.34 percent on Friday. The dam has been filled by half, they added.

Mangla Dam, on the other hand, was carrying 4.57 percent storage of its capacity, which has reached 13.24 percent on Friday. So far as the water level is concerned, Mangla was at the level of 1098 feet, which has reached 1126.7 feet. The maximum conservation level of Mangla Dam is 1242 feet.

Director PMD Shahid Abbas confirmed the development, saying that Mangla has been filled by 13 percent and Tarbela by 49 percent. According to him, Tarbela could be filled to the maximum conservation level before 20th of July as there is no need of irrigation water for the agriculture of Sindh and Balochistan provinces due to heavy spells of rains.

At present, he said, 150,000 cusecs water is being released from the dam on daily basis, which is more than the agricultural need of the two provinces. The other purpose being met by this huge release of water is to generation of some 3000 plus megawatt electricity from the Dam, he added.

According to him, since the relevant authorities have no idea as how water is expected from the hilly sources, therefore, they are not in a hurry to fill it up. An early filling up of this dam may lead to heavy release of water in case of flood like situation after heavy rains in the hilly areas, he added. He said, another reason of releasing excessive water is the non-availability of storage capacity. He said the water being released at present is enough to fill another two dams of similar capacity in the country.

Meanwhile, the monsoon waves have proceeded to Sindh, particularly Karachi, to shower rain from Saturday night. Also, Director PMD said, the current monsoon waves would bring heavy downpour in Balochistan and lower parts of Southern Punjab for the next three days. The monsoon waves are likely to revert to the catchment areas of all the five rivers from 20th July until 22nd of July, including central Punjab and upper parts of the country.

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