In a stark warning, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) highlighted alarming glacier melt trends and increasing natural disasters in Pakistan. NDMA Chairman, Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, addressed these issues at a seminar by the National Commission on the Status of Women, stressing the urgent need for comprehensive climate change mitigation strategies.
Lt Gen Malik revealed that over 23% of Pakistan’s glaciers are melting, with 3% experiencing sudden bursts, leading to a 3-4% rise in natural disasters this year. Reflecting on the 2022 floods, he emphasized lessons learned and the establishment of a National Think Tank and National Emergency Response Center to enhance disaster resilience.
Read more: NDMA Warns Extreme Heatwave May Trigger Glacier Burst and Floods in GB, KP
In 2024, Pakistan has faced forest fires and accelerated glacier melting, heightening disaster risks, especially for coastal communities. Heavy rainfall and significant water shortages also threaten food security. Lt Gen Malik highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that over 3% of the glaciers are bursting.
The Met Department forecasted hot and dry weather for most regions, with possible rain in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Potohar, Punjab, and Sindh. Islamabad will reach 41 degrees Celsius, Lahore 42 degrees, and Karachi 37-39 degrees, with a high humidity ratio of 70% and a sea breeze expected to bring some relief. Dadu may see temperatures up to 48 degrees Celsius, with the possibility of evening wind and thundershowers in some areas.
Lt Gen Malik’s remarks underscore the urgent need for Pakistan to adopt comprehensive climate change strategies and bolster disaster preparedness. As environmental challenges intensify, proactive measures and robust response mechanisms are crucial to safeguarding communities and ensuring a sustainable future for the country.
