First downpour of monsoon leaves many areas inundated

PMD issues warning of thundershowers for today

KARACHI:

The first downpour of the monsoon brought with it the usual fare of urban flooding, traffic jams, and power outages in the metropolis.

The heaviest downpour was recorded in Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Phase II where clouds dumped 43.2mm of rain.

It was scorching hot in the city during the day on Tuesday when suddenly the rain system emerged at around 3pm and the downpour started. Many areas of the city experienced heavy rains while moderate and light rain was also recorded in some places.

Urban flooding situation arose in the low-lying parts of the city, with roads of Akhtar Colony, Qayyumabad Chowrangi and Shaheed Millat Flyover, FTC Bridge inundated to a high extent causing disturbing situation for the citizens. Rainwater also accumulated in many places in Saddar and Empress Market. Urban flooding also occurred in some areas of the Old City area.

According to the Meteorological Department, the highest rainfall of 43.2 mm was recorded in DHA Phase II, while 33mm rain was recorded in PAF Base Masroor, 23.3mm in PAF Base Faisal, 12.4mm in Kemari, 12mm in Nazimabad, and 2.8 mm in Surjani Town 2.3. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the monsoon system is still entering Sindh from the Arabian Sea.

There is a possibility of thunder and rain in the city today (Wednesday) with moderate to heavy showers in different places. The city is likely to receive thundershowers in the evening or at night till July 9.

Administrator Karachi Murtaza Wahab on Tuesday directed for immediate drainage of water accumulated on the roads due to rains and said that steps should be taken to prevent water from entering the houses.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6^th, 2022.