City may get more rain today

Sharjeel Memon announces rain emergency cell at CM House

KARACHI:

The port city is bracing for another rainy day accompanied by strong winds as the monsoon system continues to impact the city.

Acording to Pakistan Meteorological Depart-ment (PMD), during the past 24 hours, the highest rainfall recorded was 52mm in Quaidabad, followed by 46mm in Gulshan-e-Hadeed, 30mm in North Karachi, 26mm in Nazimabad, and 25mm in Surjani. Other areas, including Keamari, Shahrea Faisal, and University Road, experienced significant rainfall, leading to water accumulation on roads and transportation challenges.

The heavy rains have also caused power outages, plunging various parts of the city into darkness.

Fallen trees disrupt city traffic

Heavy rain and strong winds in the metropolis felled several trees on a stretch of road between Stadium Road PTV Station and New Town. No loss of lives was reported in the incident but the fallen trees disrupted traffic flow. More than half of the road was reportedly obstructed by the felled trees, causing difficulties for motorists and motorcyclists.

Coastal areas at high risk

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that the Sindh government has completed its preparations to deal with any emergency situation during the rain. The minister has urged the public to cooperate with authorities.

"A rain emergency cell has been established at the Chief Minister's House, while the Sindh government has appointed in-charges in 30 districts across the province", the minister said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The low atmospheric pressure over Indian Gujarat will move towards west and south-west from today (Wednesday) night until Thursday morning. The system may intensify after entering the Arabian Sea. Until August 31, there is a possibility of intermittent heavy rains at some places with thunderstorms and strong winds in Karachi Division.

As a result of unusual rains, fears of urban flooding remain in various districts of Sindh including Karachi. The intensity of the current monsoon system is just one notch lower than the cyclone. Karachi and Thatta are likely to recieve 200mm of rain while Badin may experience heavy rain up to 400mm.

According to the monsoon alert issued by Chief Meteorologist Karachi, Sardar Sarfraz, the deep depression over Rajasthan (India) has moved towards the west. From August 28 night to August 29 morning, it will slowly move towards west and southwest. The monsoon system is likely to reach Rann of Kutch (India) and northwest Arabian Sea and the shores of adjacent Pakistan. Until August 31, there is a possibility of intermittent thundershowers, strong winds and heavy rains at some places across Karachi Division.