The Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) on Saturday said no one could predict the climate pattern for the next twenty years; however, it was true that Pakistan was facing a swift climate change because of increasing temperature and heavy monsoon rains in the past two years.
Talking to Pakistan Today, PMD Director General Arif Mahmood said the monsoon rains had an erratic behaviour and the waves, which had penetrated northern parts of the country last year bringing havoc to the parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir and upper Punjab, had shifted to south of the country in current year. “Pakistan is experiencing climate change and the monsoon pattern, which had focused India and upper parts of Pakistan has now shifted to Sindh and adjoining areas this year. But no one can predict these changes for next two decades.”
He said deforestation, increasing population and industrialisation were causing the high temperatures. Federal Minister for Water and Power Naveed Qamar had told the cabinet meeting on Friday that extraordinary monsoon rains would affect the country for the next 20 years. The minister further informed his colleagues that the country’s drainage system was not able to deal with rains on such a large scale, adding that the crops of cotton, rice and fruits grown on massive areas Sindh and southern Punjab had been washed away by the rains.
Qamar also expressed the fear of similar situation in future if timely steps not be taken. But Arif says that there is no research or report prepared by the Met Office in which it particularly mentioned that heavy rains would hit the country during the next two decades. He showed his ignorance towards the minister’s statement, saying, “I do not know from where he got this research report.”
The top weather expert of the country further said no one could deny the fact that the country’s climate was in danger for the last couple of years, adding that it behaviour was inconsistent. “It can be increase to an alarming proportion and also can remain normal but it is difficult to forecast the specific climate changes,” he added. The situation in Sindh is worsening after heavy spells of monsoon rains. More than four million people have so far been affected – over a fifth of the number affected in 2010 – while more than 150 people are reported dead.
Sindh has received above normal rains – 183 percent – in current season, which resulted in flash floods, he said, adding that the Met Department always updated its whether report after every ten days. “In particular situations, we also issue warnings to the departments concerned, which are supposed to deal with the developments.” Elaborating the research process of the PMD, he said they collected the data for past 50 years to compare the whether conditions. But the research could also prove wrong because it was not possible to forecast with complete accuracy, he added.
Arif told Pakistan Today that his organisation had its agri centres in several areas of the country, which provided information to the farmers on weather conditions. “We inform the farmers about climate changes so that they can take timely steps for the safety of crops,” he said. He, however, made it clear that the only duty of the PMD was to inform the people about temperature and to warn the government departments in some particular situations.
