Pakistan

Newly elected LGs face first challenge as monsoon sets in

Intermittent showers to continue from July to Sept in Karachi, according to PMD

Our Correspondent July 07, 2023

looming disaster: A street is inundated with sewage due to clogged gutter lines in a neighborhood in Karachi. The city's rickety infrastructure is unlikely to bear the rains and urban flooding seems imminent. PHOTO: EXPRESS

Different parts of the metropolitan city received moderate rainfall on Friday as the monsoon season started in Karachi. However, the much-anticipated heavy downpours are yet to arrive. Intermittent monsoon showers are likely to continue from July to September, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

This rainy season presents a significant challenge for the recently elected municipal leadership, comprising the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the 25 associated towns. The success of their efforts and preparedness in anticipation of the rains as well as the progress made on ongoing development projects remain to be seen. Notably, sewerage and water lines have been excavated in specific locations, and the construction of rain drains is underway at multiple sites.

During the rainy season, the municipal representatives, particularly the mayor of Karachi, bear substantial responsibility. Serving as the head of KMC, the mayor also holds the chairmanship of the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB).

Karachi has a history of grappling with waterlogging issues in various areas whenever rainfall exceeds 40mm. Despite the mayor’s claims regarding preparations for the rains, the effectiveness of cleaning efforts in over 300 drains, including Orangi Town Nullah, Gujjar Nullah, Manzoor Colony Nullah, and Mianwali Nullah, remains to be assessed once the rain subsides.

On Friday, the weather in the city remained hot and humid. Due to the absence of a sea breeze, the weather felt extremely scorching. In the afternoon, humidity levels soared to 74%, exacerbating the heat index beyond the actual temperature.

As per the PMD, the maximum temperature recorded was 36.5 degrees Celsius. While some areas of the city were cloaked in dark clouds, others, such as Sharae Faisal, Karachi Airport, and DHA Phase 8, experienced gentle drizzles and light rainfall. On the city’s outskirts, including Super Highway, Gadap Town, and Memon Goth, moderate rainfall was recorded.

Also read: Death toll from rains in Punjab hits 20

Over the past 24 hours, Karachi received a mere two millimeters of rainfall, according to data released by the PMD. In contrast, the rural district of Islamkot in Sindh witnessed the highest rainfall of 60 millimeters, followed by Nangarparkar with 40 millimeters, Chhachro with 28 millimeters, Shaheed Benazirabad with 22 millimeters, and Diplo and Hyderabad with 18 millimeters. Sakrand received 12 millimeters of rainfall, while Hyderabad City recorded 10 millimeters.

Shaheed Benazirabad registered the highest temperature, surpassing 41.5 degrees Celsius. The PMD’s forecast indicates that the influence of monsoon winds will persist over Sindh and the eastern regions of the country, resulting in thunderstorms and lightning in Karachi until July 9.

Furthermore, the prediction extends to other areas of rural Sindh, including Tharparkar, Umarkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Larkana, Qamber Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Sukkur, Dadu, Jamshoro, Khairpur, Nawabshah, Mitiari, Hyderabad, Tandoallhayar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Sanghar, and Thatta. Rainfall, accompanied by thunder and lightning, is expected in these regions until July 9.