Key Points:
- Imminent Hailstorm Warning for Islamabad:
- The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast another severe hailstorm in Islamabad, following a destructive storm a day earlier.
- Wednesday’s storm caused extensive damage, shattering car windows and reportedly affecting the Faisal Mosque.
- Unusual Weather Patterns Linked to Climate Change:
- Meteorologists warn that extreme weather events, including hailstorms during heatwaves, may become more frequent due to shifting seasonal trends.
- Senator Sherry Rehman linked the storm to broader climate disruptions across Asia, citing China’s recent severe wind alert as an example.
- Criticism of Pakistan’s Climate Response:
- Rehman condemned Pakistan’s fragmented approach to climate adaptation, highlighting water scarcity, failing crops, and inadequate preparedness.
- She stressed the urgency of a national strategy to address looming water and agricultural crises.
- Farmers Lack Necessary Support:
- While basic weather advisories are provided, farmers often lack tools, training, and long-term assistance to cope with climate volatility.
The PMD’s warning of another potential hailstorm underscores Islamabad’s vulnerability to increasingly erratic weather patterns driven by climate change. Senator Sherry Rehman’s remarks highlight Pakistan’s inadequate climate preparedness, calling for urgent policy reforms and better support for agriculture. Without coordinated action, the country risks worsening water shortages and agricultural instability amid rising climate threats.
