For the past decade, Pakistan has been facing a growing threat from climate change in the form of intensifying rains, flash floods, hill torrents and other weather effects and natural disasters causing large-scale losses on both the human and financial front. Like other parts of the country, Balochistan has suffered significant losses due to unusually heavy rains. The people of Balochistan, who had yet to recover from the damage caused by the record rains and super floods in 2022, have had to deal with the impacts of extreme weather conditions again this year.
According to the Meteorological Department, Pakistan received 99% more rain on average than normal in April. Rains from April 1 to 18 this year were 99% more than the average rainfall compared to the last 30 years. Recent rains in Lahore broke the 44-year record for rains there.
Experts say global warming and climate change are increasing the frequency and intensity of rainfall and the risk of floods . However, due to the lack of effective conservation measures adopted by the federal and provincial governments, the administration and the public have been unable to cope with the ravages of tlimate change.
The sequence of climate change impacts continued in July when rains and lightning caused heavy damage in the province.
Balochistan government spokesperson Shahid Rind said, "Eight people died due to lightning and roof collapse, while nine were injured last month."
He said the deceased belonged to Surab, Pishin, Dera Bugti, Loralai and Chaman. Rind said that two women and two children were among those who died due to the rain. Furthermore, the rains caused 40 houses to collapse in the rain while around 92 houses were damaged.
"Roads in the affected districts were also extensively affected," he added.
Given the difficulties faced by the public, Rind said the provincial government was working on restoring communication networks on an emergency basis while efforts were being made to restore the inter-provincial and local highways. "Surveys are also ongoing to determine the damages by the local administration in the affected districts."
He further said that "all possible measures are being taken by the provincial government to deal with the unusual situation of rains in the province. Preliminary reports of damage have been received so far, while final figures will be released on completion of the survey."
Meanwhile, Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti said, "Balochistan has been affected the most due to climate change."
He said that the last time the province experienced heavy rains and floods, it lost $1.6 billion.
"The international community pledged $2.6 billion for recovery activities, but the global commitment has not been fulfilled," the chief minister lamented, noting that this had handicapped the federal and provincial government's ability to provide relief and rehabilitation to the people.