Drought Trends in Balochistan

Jamro Jamro,Ansari Ansari,Naz Naz,Dars Dars,Krakauer Krakauer

doi:10.3390/w12020470

Jamro Jamro, Ansari Ansari + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/w12020470

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Abstract

Drought is a severe threat, especially in the arid regions of Pakistan, such as the Balochistan Province. The aim of this study is to analyze drought trends in Balochistan using Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) at the 3-month accumulation timescale. The monthly rainfall data of 10 stations were collected from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) for 37 years (1980–2017). Drought trends were analyzed at each station using the Mann-Kendall test. The SPI identified extreme drought events in 1996, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2009, and 2014. Barkhan was the station that most frequently experienced extreme to severe drought events, as defined using SPI. A statistically significant decreasing precipitation trend was found in four stations (Dalbandin, Jiwani, Quetta, and Zhob). The analysis of drought characteristics showed Barkhan faced the most prolonged drought, of 22 months from 1999 to 2001. The findings from the present study can give guidance on how strategies of water management should be adjusted based on the changing patterns of droughts in the Balochistan Province.

Highlights

Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries due to climate change
The outcomes of the present study suggest that strategies of water resources management should be according to the changing patterns in drought in the Balochistan province
The Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) at each station was visualized along with any statistically significant trends in SPI or in the characteristics of droughts

Summary

Introduction

Pakistan is one of the most vulnerable countries due to climate change. Index (GCRI) [1] has ranked Pakistan in the top 10 countries adversely affected by climate change. The major threats include rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, sea-level rise, and extreme events (floods, droughts, and heatwaves). Drought is one of the most severe threats especially in the arid regions of Pakistan, such as the Balochistan Province. The adverse effects of climate change have worsened with time [2]. With its arid geography and scarcity of resources, Pakistan is extremely exposed to the impacts of climate change [4]. The country has been suffering from increased severity and occurrence of meteorological hazards including floods, dry periods, extreme temperatures, and a water shortage [5,6]

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