Pakistan Invests Rs1.6 Billion in Weather Forecasting and Disaster Management
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will invest Rs1.6 billion ($5.7 million) to strengthen weather forecasting and disaster management systems, state media reported on Sunday, as the country faces another monsoon season marked by deadly rainfall and growing climate risks. The investment comes as Pakistan experiences increasingly frequent and severe weather events linked to climate change.
Monsoon Season Claims 17 Lives Since June 26
The annual monsoon season, which runs from June to September, regularly triggers flash floods, landslides and house collapses, particularly in the country’s mountainous north and low-lying river plains. Since June 26 this year, at least 17 people have been killed and more than 40 injured in rain-related incidents, according to the National Disaster Management Authority.
World Bank Assessment Highlights Economic Toll
Scientists say improved forecasting and early warning systems are critical to reducing the human and economic toll of extreme weather. According to a 2022 World Bank assessment cited by the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Pakistan suffers average annual losses of around Rs556 billion ($2 billion) from floods and earthquakes, with climate-related losses projected to rise sharply in the coming decades if resilience measures are not strengthened.
Government Initiatives Include Radar Projects and Climate Data Systems
“Pakistan plans to strengthen its weather forecasting, disaster preparedness and climate resilience capabilities through a series of projects and policy initiatives,” APP said in its report. According to APP, the government has allocated Rs1 billion ($3.6 million) to modernize hydrometeorological services to improve forecasting accuracy and strengthen climate-related data systems. Funding has also been earmarked for a weather surveillance radar in the city of Multan, another radar project in Sukkur, and the National Center for Rainfall Enhancement to support water security, climate adaptation and agricultural productivity.
Climate Change Ministry Receives Rs2.5 Billion for Forestry and Ecosystem Restoration
The report said the climate change ministry will receive Rs2.5 billion ($8.9 million) for forestry, biodiversity conservation, afforestation and ecosystem restoration. It added that a National Forest and Tree Cover Assessment using remote sensing and machine learning would also be carried out to improve forest monitoring and restoration planning.
Pakistan Among Most Climate-Vulnerable Countries Despite Low Emissions
Pakistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change despite contributing less than one percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. In 2022, catastrophic floods killed more than 1,700 people, affected 33 million and caused over $30 billion in economic losses and damage, according to the government and the World Bank. Floods last year also killed over 1,000 people and caused massive damage to infrastructure and agricultural lands.
Scientists say climate change is increasing both the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across South Asia, making investments in forecasting, disaster preparedness and early warning systems increasingly important for vulnerable countries such as Pakistan.
