Historic rainfall hits Sukkur as city breaks 77-year-old record

Sukkur has been hit with unprecedented rainfall this monsoon season, with the city recording 290mm of rain in just one day, breaking a 77-year-old record. This deluge far surpasses the previous record set in 2022, when 374mm of rain fell over 12 days.

According to a statement from provincial authorities on Sunday, Sukkur's recent rainfall has been the most significant in nearly eight decades.

The Sindh government spokesperson and Sukkur Mayor, Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh, reported that the dewatering process had been successfully completed in 80% of the city while efforts are ongoing in the remaining areas, with the expectation that normalcy will soon return to the city.

He stated that the Sukkur Municipal Corporation had preemptively prepared for such extreme weather by upgrading disposal stations and installing heavy-duty generators and equipment in 57 low-lying areas.

Despite the widespread inundation affecting Old Sukkur, Ghanta Ghar, and other regions, prompt action has managed to control the situation effectively.

Experts note that while weather-related disasters are common during the monsoon season, which runs from June to September, climate change is exacerbating their frequency and intensity. Despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gas emissions, Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to climate change impacts.

In 2022, Pakistan faced catastrophic flooding that submerged a third of the country, resulting in over 1,700 deaths, displacing 33 million people, and destroying thousands of homes. The current situation in Sukkur underscores the increasing severity of climate-related challenges facing the nation.