Southern parts of the country, including Karachi, that had until now dodged the worst of the monsoon downpours were on Tuesday battered by heavy rains that played havoc with the provincial metropolis, killing at least eight people, flooding all key roads, submerging underpasses and paralysing all segments of life.
The rain, which began in the first half of the day, continued, with only a short lull, until after sunset.
As the traffic system collapsed, drainage lines buckled and power supply snapped under the strain, Karachi's rickety infrastructure seemed to come apart at the seams.
At least eight people lost their lives in rain-related incidents, including electrocution and the collapse of concrete structures. As Karachi's ageing pipes and sewerage system fought a losing battle against the deluge, rush hour commuters were left stranded in rising waters and several neighbourhoods were plunged into darkness.
The rain was expected to continue until Saturday, and "another spell is to start by the end of the month", said NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik.
According to the Met Office, as of 8pm, Saadi Town recorded the highest rainfall at 176 millimetres, followed by Gulshan-i-Hadeed at 173mm, Airport Old Area 158.7mm, Jinnah Terminal 152.8mm, Nazimabad 149.6mm, Surjani Town 145.2mm, Keamari 140mm, Defence Housing Authority Phase VII 134mm, University Road 133mm, PAF Base Faisal 128mm, North Karachi 108.4mm, Korangi 132.2mm, Gulshan-i-Maymar 98mm, PAF Masroor Base 87mm, Orangi Town 66.2mm and Bahria Town 4.8mm.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced a public holiday for all provincial government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutions in the province on Friday (today). Schools will also remain closed, he added. However, he noted that all essential services and civic institutions would remain open.
The situation also prompted telephonic contact between the Sindh chief minister and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who discussed the aftermath of the rains and reviewed relief measures.
Balochistan
Meanwhile, it has also been raining in 15 districts of Balochistan, and the main highway connecting the province with Sindh has been blocked for heavy vehicles, said provincial disaster official Muhammad Younis.
Between 40 and 50 houses have been damaged in two districts, he added.
Forecast
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast torrential rains in Sindh and parts of Balochistan over the coming days, warning of potential urban flooding, flash floods and damage to infrastructure.
According to the Met Office, strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are continuously penetrating the country, particularly affecting southern regions.
In Sindh, widespread rain, wind and thundershowers with heavy to very heavy falls are expected in Mithi, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sanghar and Jamshoro. Rainfall is also likely at scattered places in Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur and Jacobabad from August 19 to 22 with occasional breaks.
In Balochistan, rain, wind and thundershowers with scattered heavy falls are likely in Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibbi, Zhob, Qilla Saifullah, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar and Panjgur during the same period.
Meanwhile, subdued rain and thundershowers are expected in parts of Islamabad, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Punjab (including Rawalpindi, Murree, Gujranwala, Sialkot and Lahore), southern Punjab (including Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan and Rajanpur), and various districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa from August 19 to 22.
The PMD has cautioned that torrential rains may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Badin, Sajawal and adjoining districts. In Balochistan, heavy downpours could trigger flash floods in northern and southeastern regions.
Strong winds, heavy rainfall and lightning may damage weak structures, including rooftops of vulnerable mud-brick house, electric poles, billboards, vehicles and solar panels. The department advised the public, travellers and tourists to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary exposure to vulnerable areas and stay updated with the latest weather alerts.
Authorities concerned have been urged to stay on high alert and take precautionary measures to prevent any untoward situation.
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