Droughts

Honorable Chief Minister Balochishtan Dr. Abdul Malik Baloch Balochistan Press Briefing.

Unfortunately Balochistan has remained prone to many natural and manmade disasters like drought earthquake, floods etc. After the dangerous spell of drought (1997 to 2003), the province of Balochistan is again passing through another developing spell of drought affecting specially the sectors like papules livestock, agriculture and overall the economic scenario of the province. Comprehensive Assessment of drought has been ordered and will be conducted by the respective Deputy Commissioners of the respective districts in coordination with relevant line departments.

1. Drought: Initially government of Balochistan is pleased to allocate Rs 1 Billion to PDMA to meet the food requirements specially covering livestock sector and food packages for the affectees of drought in the province. In wake of the financial constraints coupled with the severity of looming drought in Balochistan, Federal Government will also be requested to intervene for financial assistance as to compensate the drought affectees and the affected sectors like livestock and agriculture etc. 1.2. Ministers Visit to Different Districts: Honorable Minister Disaster Management and Home & Tribal Affairs Mr. Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti, Minister Livestock Mr. Ubaidullah Babat and Head of relevant line departments are moving to Zhob and other districts to assess current situation of Drought.

2. Tropical Cyclone - (NILOFAR) in Arabian Sea Very Severe Tropical Cyclone (Nilofar) in Arabian Sea has moved northward during last 12hours and now located at Lat. 18.3°N and Long. 62.0°E, about 875 Km in southwest of Karachi and 740 Km south of Gawadar. The Cyclone would move northeastward (towards adjoining coastal areas of Lower Sindh and Indian Gujrat) in next 24 hours with a speed of 13 Km/hour. At present the estimated central pressure of Cyclone is 990 HPA and the average sustained wind speed around is 100-110 Knots up to 120 Knots. Under the influences of this Cyclone, widespread rain/thundershowers with isolated heavy/very heavy falls accompanied by strong gusty winds are expected in Lower Sindh including Karachi and Coastal Areas of Balochistan from today till Saturday (morning). The sea conditions along Pakistan coast have become rough and likely to become very rough today (night). The fishermen of Sindh and Balochistan are advised not to venture in open sea today till Saturday.

3. Precautionary Measures taken:

   • Emergency has been declared in District HeadQuarter Gwadar.

   • Resources have been mobilized.

   • Relief camps declared to accommodate the vulnerable communities

   • 9 Punjab Pak Army, 88 Wing Mekran Scouts and PCG are on standby and available for backup support in case of any eventuality.

4. Vulnerable Areas:

   • Tehsil Ormara

     • Marow village

     • Kandelag Village

     • Tehsil Pasni

       • Chandi village, Kalmat.

       • Gursunth village Kalmat.

       • Joze village

       • Reig Pusht Pasni town

       • Tehsil GwadarRaisani Ward Jiwani

         • Surbandar

         • Old Mullah Band

         • Pishukaan

         • Tehsil Jiwani

           • Ganz

Droughts in Balochistan

Balochistan has a history of droughts but the recent droughts (1997-2002) were the longest dry spells in many years. Balochistan is an arid region with occasional rainfall. Drought is an intimidating hazard of nature, although it has scores of definitions. Drought originates from a deficiency of precipitation over an extended period of time, usually a season or more. This deficiency results in a water shortage for some livelihood activity to a community group, or environmental sector.The districts of Kalat, Chaghi, Naukundi and Zhob were severely affected by drought at many occasions. The monthly average rain in the dry region is between 2 and 25 mm which is very low as compared to other parts of the country. During the period from 1997 to 2002, a famine like situation developed due to lack of rain in the region. The main reason of drought in Balochistan was the deficiency of rainfall. The drought of 1997 - 2002 has been termed as one of the worst in the history of Balochistan and can be judged from the fact that it was the major cause behind slowing the economic growth rate down to 2.6 % during that period. According to the figures released by the Ministry of Finance, the drought caused a loss of PKR 25 billion to the national exchequer in the year 2000-2002. The drought in affected parts of the province led to the following consequences; Rise in food prices in the affected areas. A very low level of food in-take causing different diseases and malnutrition to affected populations. Fodder shortage affecting livestock-rearing, which plays an important role in the rural economy. Apple trees and orchards destroyed by almost 80%. Migration of people from drought affected areas (by michelle at dress head). Heavy cost incurred by government in relief works in the affected areas - 22 out of the 28 districts sought assistance in water and Flood. Increased health hazards: The drought also contributed to the incidence of Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF). The disease was first noticed in September 2000 in Loralai district of the province. Several people are said to have succumbed to thedisease which was triggered by the drought. Malnutrition, T.B and Hepatitis affected thousands of local communities especially women and children during the period. 80% of livestock died in severely affected areas. A typical example of decreasing trend of rainfall from 1997 to 2002 in three districts representing upper, middle and lower parts of Balochistan Districts and Tehsils /sub - Tehsil s frequently affected by drought. Most Severely Affected District Severely Affected District Moderately Affected District 1. Kharan 1. Sibi 1. Killa-Saifullah 2. Washuk 2. Mastung 2. Barkan 3. Chagai 3. Kalat 3. Ziarat 4. Nushki 4. Khuzdar 5. Punjgoor 5. Lasbella 6. Kech 6. Musa Khail 7. Gwadar 7. Killa Abdullah 8. Awaran 9. Jhal-Magsi 10. Bolan 11. Dera-Bugti 12. Kohlu 13. Sherani Most Severely Affected Tehsils Severely Affected Tehsils Moderately Affected Tehsils 1. Qamar-Din-Karez 1. Khanozai 1. Tehsil Zhob 2. Tehsil Loralai 2. Barshore 2. Tehsil Pishin 3. Tehsil Chatter 3. Panjpai 4. Mekhtar