Strong weather system approaches

CM orders strict measures to tackle emergency situation

KARACHI:

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, following the heavy rainfall alert by the Met office, has directed all local bodies, district administrations and irrigation department to be ready for timely action in case of emergency.

Chairing a meeting, attended by the officials concerned in person or through video link, the CM instructed the Commissioner of Karachi that the sea condition, as reported by the Met office, is expected to remain rough to very rough during the forecast period. Therefore, necessary measures should be taken to prevent people from bathing in the sea.

He also instructed the Fisheries Department to issue necessary advice to the fishermen so that they take extra precautionary measures.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has reported that a harsher weather system is expected to hit eastern Sindh on the night between August 26 and 27 and is likely to bring strong monsoon currents into Sindh.

This strong weather condition my hit Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Dadu, Kambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, and Larkana districts where heavy rains with thunderstorms are expected. The Met office has announced the similar alert until August 31.

Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Kashmore, Naushahro Feroze, and Shaheed Benazirabad districts are likely to experience rain, and thunderstorms with few heavy to isolated hefty falls from August 26th to August 30th, with occasional gaps.

Karachi Division may experience wind-thunderstorm/rain with scattered heavy to isolated very heavy falls during August 27 - 31.

Moreover, the Flood Forecasting Division of the PMD has issued a warning that severe flash flooding is expected in areas along the Kirthar range, Jacobabad, Kambar- Shahdadkot, Dadu, and Jamshoro districts from August 27 to August 31. Urban flooding is anticipated in the most cities and districts of Sindh.

Metrologist Sarfraz Ahmad informed the meeting that Karachi might receive 150-200mm of rainfall, Thatta, Sujawal, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad 250-300mm, Badin, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tharparkar, Umerkot 500mm and the rest of the district 70-100mm.

The CM was also informed that heavy rains may cause water logging in Sukkur, Larkana, Kambar Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, and Jacobabad districts. Furthermore, gusty winds may cause damage to weak structures, electric installations, solar panels, old trees, etc., and lightning strikes may also cause damages.