Pakistan Meteorological Department Warns of Climate Change Impact

Pakistan recently encountered its wettest April in over six decades, with the country's meteorological department reporting a significant increase in rainfall compared to the usual levels. The April rainfall of 59.3 millimeters was more than double the average of 22.5 millimeters, marking it as an exceptionally wet month. The excessive rain led to unfortunate incidents, including 144 deaths caused by thunderstorms and house collapses.

The impact of climate change on weather patterns was highlighted by Zaheer Ahmad Babar, a spokesperson for the Pakistan Meteorological Department. He emphasized that erratic weather conditions in the region are largely influenced by climate change, indicating a growing vulnerability to unpredictable events like heavy rainfall and destructive storms.

Despite the wet conditions in April, Pakistan's national monthly temperature was slightly lower than the average, standing at 23.67 degrees Celsius (74 degrees Fahrenheit). This deviation from the norm contrasts with the scorching heat waves experienced in other parts of Asia during the same period.

The country's susceptibility to extreme weather events was further underscored by the devastating monsoon rains in the summer of 2022, which submerged a third of Pakistan, displacing millions and causing significant economic losses estimated at $30 billion by the World Bank.

The unprecedented rainfall in April serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change and the urgent need for adaptive measures to mitigate its impact. As Pakistan grapples with the aftermath of the wettest April in decades, the focus on resilience and preparedness becomes increasingly crucial in safeguarding lives and infrastructure from the escalating risks of extreme weather events.