By: Bibi Maryam
Published By: ANI News Agency
Imagine waking up in Nokkundi to a sky covered in dust. The wind grows stronger, visibility drops, and fine particles enter homes and shops. For local residents, a dust storm is not simply a change in weather. It can disrupt travel, affect breathing, and interfere with daily activities.
Pakistan is among the world’s climate-vulnerable countries. Its largely arid and semi-arid landscape, limited rainfall, and exposure to drought create challenges for communities and ecosystems. Balochistan covers approximately 44% of Pakistan’s total land area and is the country’s largest province. More than 85% of its population lives in rural areas and depends on agriculture and livestock, making environmental changes an important socio-economic concern.
Among the affected areas is Nokkundi in Chagai District, a region known for its low rainfall, high temperatures, sparse vegetation, and desert landscapes. These natural conditions, together with prolonged dry periods and strong seasonal winds, contribute to dust-storm formation. Climate change and land degradation can further increase pressure on already vulnerable communities.
Dust storms are a visible environmental challenge in western Balochistan. Dry soils, limited vegetation, and exposed sediments allow strong winds to lift dust into the atmosphere. Dust from the wider Sistan Basin and Hamun wetland region can also affect western Pakistan. The Levar, or 120-day wind, is an important seasonal wind system in the Sistan region. Research has documented its role in transporting dust, particularly during the warmer months. The hamun wetlands and surrounding dry areas are recognized as important dust-source regions.
These regional processes show that dust storms do not always originate within a single district. Wind patterns, soil conditions, water availability, and land cover can all influence the movement of dust across national borders.
Scientific observations have documented severe dust activity in western Balochistan. A study published in Atmospheric Pollution Research examined dust and air pollution using satellite observations and atmospheric modelling.
During a severe dust event on 22 May 2022, the study identified substantial dust activity over the Chagai, Nok Kundi, and Kharan areas. The researchers reported an Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) value of approximately 1.5 in the affected region. AOD is a measure of how much light is reduced by particles and other materials in the atmosphere; higher values generally indicate greater aerosol loading.
This evidence highlights the value of satellite-based monitoring for understanding dust movement and atmospheric pollution. However, individual AOD measurements should not be treated as direct measurements of ground-level PM2.5 or PM10 concentrations. Dust storms can affect public health by increasing the concentration of airborne particulate matter, including PM10 and PM2.5. Exposure to particulate pollution is associated with respiratory and cardiovascular health risks.
The World Health Organization identifies particulate matter as a major air-pollution concern. Children, older adults, and people with existing respiratory or cardiovascular conditions may be particularly vulnerable.
During dust storms, reduced visibility and poor air quality can make outdoor activities difficult. Residents may experience eye irritation, coughing, and breathing discomfort. The severity of these effects depends on particle concentration, exposure duration, and individual health conditions.
The environmental impacts of dust storms extend beyond air quality. Strong winds can remove exposed topsoil, contribute to soil erosion, and affect agricultural productivity. Dust deposited on plant surfaces may interfere with photosynthesis, while sediment movement can affect irrigation infrastructure and water quality.
In communities that depend on agriculture and livestock, these pressures can create additional challenges for livelihoods and food security. The effects vary according to local soil conditions, farming practices, water availability, and the intensity of individual storms.
Reducing the impacts of dust storms requires environmental management alongside community preparedness. Afforestation and reforestation programmes should be designed according to local ecological conditions, with emphasis on suitable native vegetation and long-term maintenance. Sustainable land management, controlled grazing, restoration of degraded areas, and soil conservation can help reduce erosion.
Early warning systems and improved weather forecasting can give communities more time to prepare. Local authorities should also improve communication about expected dust events, road visibility, and health precautions.
At the community level, people should remain indoors during severe dust storms, keep windows and doors closed, and use suitable protective masks when exposure cannot be avoided. Protective eyewear can help reduce eye irritation. Individuals with respiratory conditions should follow medical advice and keep prescribed medicines available. Schools, healthcare facilities, and local authorities should develop practical emergency response plans, particularly for vulnerable populations.
For the people of Nokundi, dust is more than a layer covering roads and rooftops. It is a reminder of how closely daily life is connected to the environment. Dust storms cannot be eliminated entirely, but their impacts can be reduced through better land management, reliable early warnings, public awareness, and community preparedness. Building resilience begins not only with understanding the science of dust, but also with protecting the people who live with it.
