In Islamabad, a senior U.N. official cautioned that the forthcoming monsoon season in Pakistan, anticipated to bring heavier rains than usual, could impact an estimated 200,000 people. Mohamed Yahya, the newly appointed Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Pakistan, disclosed that the United Nations, in collaboration with local authorities, has devised a contingency plan, allocating $40 million to address potential emergencies.
Yahya informed journalists that weather forecasters in Pakistan have predicted above-average rainfall in the upcoming weeks, though not as severe as the devastating floods of 2022, which claimed 1,739 lives, demolished 2 million homes, and submerged as much as one-third of the country at its peak.
Pakistan ranks among the nations most susceptible to climate change, partly due to its vast northern glaciers, now dwindling as temperatures soar. Elevated temperatures lead to increased moisture retention in the air, amplifying monsoon rainfall.
Previously, both public opinion and some government officials paid scant attention to the potential adverse effects of climate change on daily life. However, in recent years, Pakistan’s weather patterns have shifted, prompting cities to bolster infrastructure and farmers to adjust their practices.