Light to moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds was reported in multiple areas of Karachi on Saturday evening, marking the second consecutive day of rain during the current monsoon spell.
A brief but relatively heavy spell of rain was reported in 4K Chowrangi in Surjani Town and Lyari, while light to moderate rainfall was recorded in Scheme 33, Gulshan-i-Maymar and adjoining areas. Hassan Square received light drizzle.
Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Airport, Sachal Goth, Mausamiyat and surrounding areas also received a brief spell of rain. Light rainfall was reported in Saddar and adjoining areas, while Sea View and Defence Housing Authority (DHA) experienced only light drizzle.
Following the PMD’s forecast of rain in Karachi, Additional Inspector General Karachi Azad Khan placed the city police on alert, said a statement.
According to the statement, field commanders were directed to remain present in their respective areas, while traffic police were instructed to ensure smooth traffic flow and provide alternative routes in waterlogged areas.
Monsoon preparedness meeting
In a meeting held today, the provincial chief secretary directed provincial and district authorities to activate the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and district control rooms immediately, while ordering the submission of 24-hour situation reports every morning throughout the monsoon season for continuous monitoring.
Chairing the meeting on monsoon preparedness, the chief secretary stressed that contingency plans must include the identification of relief camp sites, availability of rescue boats, dewatering pumps, water bowsers, generators and other emergency machinery.
He also called for resource mapping, arrangements for food and drinking water, and adequate stocks of medicines for the health and livestock departments.
The chief secretary instructed municipal authorities to remove bottlenecks, complete cleaning of storm-water drains and ensure uninterrupted drainage arrangements ahead of heavy rains.
The meeting was informed that, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), moderate to isolated heavy rainfall was expected until July 27 in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro and Shaheed Benazirabad.
Light to moderate rainfall was also forecast for several districts including Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Kambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze and Thatta, while Karachi was likely to experience mostly cloudy weather with chances of light rain and drizzle.
Yesterday, the metropolis received this season’s first spell of rain after multiple localities reported light to moderate rain.
Earlier this week, on the directives of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the PDMA placed district administrations across Sindh on high alert and directed all relevant departments to take precautionary and emergency response measures as strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea continue to affect the province.
The CM directed all deputy commissioners, district administrations, municipal authorities, irrigation officials, health services, rescue agencies and local government institutions to remain fully vigilant, ensure preparedness of emergency response teams, maintain drainage systems and take all necessary steps to protect lives and property.
