The unusual rains of 2022 led to a flood-like situation in various districts of Balochistan, submerging many parts of the province. Thousands of acres of standing crops were destroyed, causing severe financial losses to farmers. Thousands of livestock perished. Agriculture in Balochistan, already badly affected by water scarcity and climate change, faced further devastation after these rains. Not only were the farmlands submerged, but the prolonged presence of water also affected the fertility of the soil. This situation has heightened concerns about food shortages.

The destruction of crops has directly impacted the economic lives of farmers. Farmers, who invest their labor and financial resources into crop production, lost their investments in these torrential rains. Particularly, the production of key crops such as apples, cherries, vegetables, wheat, and others decreased, raising fears of a food crisis across the region. The issue of food shortages in Balochistan, which already existed, became even more severe after these rains.

Alongside the farmers, ordinary citizens were also not spared from the floods and heavy rains. Floodwaters engulfed many villages and urban areas, leaving thousands of families homeless. Homes, roads, bridges, and essential infrastructure were severely damaged, crippling the communication system in the province. The collapse of the Pinjra Bridge in Bolan cut off Balochistan’s land connection with the rest of the country, depriving people of basic necessities such as water, food, and medical aid.

These examples of climate change show how extreme weather can devastate lives in arid and semi-arid regions like Balochistan. Globally, the issue of climate change is intensifying, and underdeveloped regions like Balochistan are being severely affected.

The rise in global temperatures is significantly impacting Balochistan’s climate system. This is manifested in extreme heat, drought, and unusual rainfall. Particularly, the rise in temperatures during the summer and the untimely occurrence of rains are creating major challenges for agriculture.

The use of traditional methods in agriculture is also a major contributor to climate change. Farmers in Balochistan follow traditional farming techniques, which include excessive use of water. The rapid depletion of underground water and the lack of modern agricultural practices have pushed the province toward a water crisis. The combination of water scarcity and the rapid decline in underground water levels, along with climate change, is leading agriculture toward disaster.

The shortage of natural water resources in Balochistan and their poor management are further worsening the effects of climate change. The overuse of agricultural tube wells and the lack of proper arrangements for storing rainwater have added to the difficulties faced by agriculture and human life.

The increase in rainfall due to climate change has not only destroyed agricultural infrastructure but also created employment issues in rural areas, leading to a migration of a significant portion of the population to cities. This has disrupted the population balance, giving rise to problems such as employment, healthcare, housing, and education.

To mitigate the effects of climate change in Balochistan, it is crucial to better plan water resources. There is a need for rainwater storage projects, dam construction, and the introduction of modern agricultural techniques. Additionally, stricter laws for the protection of forests and the promotion of afforestation campaigns have become essential to reduce the impacts of climate change.

Public awareness is also a key part of addressing this issue. People must be informed about the effects of climate change and how to mitigate them. The media, educational institutions, and local organizations can play an important role in this. Through public awareness campaigns, people can be encouraged to take action against climate change. The implementation of sustainable policies and environmental protection measures at the government level can play a crucial role in resolving this issue.

If immediate and serious measures are not taken, regions like Balochistan, already suffering from underdevelopment and severe climate change, will face even more challenges. Addressing the effects of climate change will require modern scientific techniques and the combined efforts of both the government and the public. Without this, not only will agriculture and the economy in Balochistan suffer, but the quality of human life will also be severely affected.