Monsoon rains to hit Sindh on Monday

Met Office warns of urban flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad, Badin, Thatta

KARACHI:

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted heavy rainfall, thunderstorms and urban flooding in different areas of Sindh starting from Monday.

According to the PMD, a monsoon system is set to enter eastern Sindh on Monday, causing heavy downpours that will last until July 8. Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Jamshoro and Dadu are likely to witness thunderstorms in this duration.

With regards to the forecast, chief meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz said that Karachi was likely to see a windstorm prior to the rains, with gales picking up speed and blowing at 60 kilometres per hour.

Also predicting urban flooding, Sarfaraz advised citizens to avoid standing under trees and hoardings.

According to the PMD, Karachi, Hyderabad, Badin and Thatta are particularly at risk of witnessing urban flooding on Monday and Tuesday.

The storms are to follow a long hot spell in the province during which temperatures exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in several areas. However, it the maximum temperature in Karachi on Friday was recorded at 38.5 degrees Celsius and minimum at 30.5 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels remained between 73 per cent and 57 per cent in the metropolis in the day.

Weather is expected to remain humid today (Saturday) in the city too.

Making preparations

With the prediction of heavy rains in the city, Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar stressed the need for local government bodies to be on alert.

Talking to local bodies representatives on Friday, he called for enduring the drainage of rainwater from the streets, underpasses and the city's main arteries, adding that citizens should be kept safe from electrocution as well.

Meanwhile, the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) managing director stated that the SSWMB had finalised a strategy to cope with the monsoon rains and provide relief to the masses.

Chairing a board meeting, he directed all relevant officials to carry out the necessary arrangements, including the timely dewatering of affected areas and creating awareness among the public by displaying banners.

The MD further said that complaint centres would be operationalised in each zone of the metropolis to resolve public concerns, adding that complaints could be filed at the SSWMB WhatsApp number 0318-1030851.

WITH ADDITIONAL INPUT FROM PPI, APP