Sindh on high alert as monsoon threat looms

PDMA deploys 50 response vehicles, Rescue 1122 activates contingency plan

KARACHI:

The Sindh government has put all relevant departments on high alert amid forecasts of heavy monsoon rains and possible emergencies across the province, Adviser to the Chief Minister on Rehabilitation Gyan Chand Essrani said on Sunday.

He directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Rescue 1122 and mobile health units to remain on round-the-clock alert, ensure continuous monitoring and respond swiftly to any emergency situation.

According to officials, PDMA Sindh has deployed 50 special response vehicles equipped with dewatering pumps across the province. Of these, 10 have been allocated to Karachi, 25 to Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas divisions, and 15 to Sukkur and Larkana divisions.

In Karachi, three vehicles have been stationed in District South, two in District East, and one each in West, Central, Malir and Korangi. Each unit is staffed with trained operators and technical personnel.

The PDMA's central control room is functioning 24/7, with GIS operators and staff monitoring rainfall patterns, weather conditions and emergency complaints.

Officials said that recent rains claimed two lives and left two others injured, while Nagarparkar recorded the highest rainfall in the province at 108mm.

Meanwhile, Rescue 1122 has shared a comprehensive Monsoon 2026 contingency plan with commissioners, deputy commissioners and district administrations.

Under the plan, 1,586 field personnel, 200 control room staff, 38 boats, 27 outboard motors, 15 fire tenders, 24 search and rescue vehicles, 13 recovery vehicles, nine water rescue vehicles and 19 emergency response cabins have been placed on high alert.

Rescue authorities have devised strategies to deal with urban flooding, flash floods, building collapses, lightning strikes, electrocution incidents and traffic accidents, as well as evacuation of stranded citizens.

The central command and control centre is monitoring the situation round the clock, while district teams have been instructed to ensure prompt response.

Mobile health units have also been readied to provide medical services in remote and rain-affected areas, offering basic treatment, diagnostic facilities and emergency care.

Essrani stressed the need for coordination among departments and directed authorities to obtain daily situation reports from districts to ensure timely rescue, relief and medical assistance.

He said that the provincial government's machinery had been fully mobilised to tackle any emergency during the monsoon season.