Tharparkar | Pakistan

MITHI: Tharparkar — rendered parched by delayed or erratic rains — is now on the brink of famine, the local farming and herder communities say. The situation poses a serious threat to the local population that depends on earning from their crops. The threat of famine looms large as a long dry spell has destroyed crops; and locals have already consumed or disposed of their produce during the period. Livestock is the second source of income for many families but, at present, no fodder is available for millions of animals being reared in the region. For Tharparkar’s farming and herding communities, rainfall in mid-June and mid-August periods is necessary. The timely rainfall is their lifeline. Adequate amount of rain soaks the soil deep enough enabling the farming community to cultivate crops like guar, bajra, sesame, watermelon etc, besides growing fodder on grazing pastures. Growers, herders fear erratic or inadequate rainfall in coming days may invite natural calamity This year, clouds have reached the region...

The body of a young man from Karachi, who drowned during a leisure trip to Tharparkar, was recovered from Maya Dam in Nangarparkar, police officials confirmed on Monday.