Weather system from Gujrat to make landfall today

System likely to dump 200mm rain on Karachi with winds exceeding 70km per hour

KARACHI:

A strong weather system from Gujarat, India, is expected to reach the Sindh coast on Thursday morning, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Wednesday.

The weather system is likely to dump almost 200mm of rain on Karachi, increasing the risk of urban flooding, warned the Chief Meteorologist Karachi Sardar Sarfraz.

"The deep depression currently 320km from Karachi was moving west by southwest at around 15km per hour. This system is likely to bring thundershowers, gusty winds, and heavy rainfall to parts of Karachi on Thursday and Friday," he said. The current weather pattern is expected to persist until August 31, with Karachi potentially receiving 100 to 200 mm of rain.

Pakistan Meteorological Department reported Wednesday's highest rainfall as 30mm in Surjani Town, with other areas receiving: Nazimabad 20 mm, Kemari 16.5 mm, Gulshan Hadid 13 mm, North Karachi 12.2 mm, Quaidabad 11.5 mm, Orangi Town 9.5 mm, and Old Airport Weather Station 8.5 mm.

Light showers inundate most roads

The city experienced light sporadic showers throughout Wednesday causing water to accumulate at various locations and roads as well as low-lying areas disrupting traffic flow and normal life across the metropolis.

It took citizens hours to cover journeys that usually take minutes especially on the main roads. Meanwhile, motorcyclists faced significant difficulties due to broken roads and potholes while no measures were seen taken by the municipal authorities for the safety of commuters.

Although it was only a few millimetres of rainfall, rainwater inundated various roads. Areas including Hassan Square, National Stadium, NIPA Chowrangi, Liaquatabad No. 10, Bahadurabad, Sharea Faisal, Korangi, Landhi, Malir, Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, North Karachi, New Karachi, PIB Colony, Ramswami, Ranchore Lane, Malir, Orangi Town, and Baldia Town were reportedly most affected.

Due to the accumulation of trash, silt and mud, residents are facing severe difficulties in mobility.

In Nazimabad, the streets are littered with debris after the cleaning of drains, causing significant challenges for residents. The KMC and Sindh Solid Waste Management Board workers as well as the administrations of 25 towns seems to be failing to effectively manage the drainage of rainwater and the cleaning efforts.