KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast on Friday rain and thunderstorms with “few heavy falls” in Karachi and other parts of Sindh as the port city braced for downpours.
A day earlier, Sinch Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah declared a rain emergency in the province and declared Friday a half day for all government and private offices, including educational institutions.
All local bodies, hospitals, the water board, Karachi Electric (KE), and cantonments have been instructed to be prepared for any situation.
The latest advisory by PMD said “rain/thunderstorms with few heavy falls” are expected in northern Sindh from February 29 to March 2 and the same conditions are likely to prevail in other parts of Sindh from March 1.
“Heavy falls may generate urban flooding in low-lying areas. Fishermen of Balochistan are advised not to venture into deep sea till March 1 while those of Sindh are advised to remain careful during the forecast period.”
The PMD elaborated that a westerly wave is prevailing over Balochistan and adjoining areas of Sindh and under the system’s influence, “rain/thunderstorm with few heavy falls likely in Kambar Shahdadkot, Jacobabad, Larkana, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur and Dadu till tomorrow morning”.
The same prediction was made for other parts of the province but added that “mainly dry weather is expected in most districts of the province” tomorrow, including Karachi.
A meeting today was also held by IG Sindh regarding the rain emergency imposed by the provincial government. He directed all senior officers to work closely with the Sindh Government and district governments.
He also instructed the police force to assist the public in emergencies.
During the meeting on Thursday, the CM directed all town chairmen to be vigilant in their respective areas, overseeing stormwater and sewerage systems. Chief Secretary Dr Fakhre Alam was also instructed to issue a directive to the police to assist the district administration in case of heavy rain.
The PDMA DG informed the CM about providing the necessary machinery for rainwater disposal to commissioners, deputy commissioners, and local bodies. More machinery and materials would be provided as needed.
Murad also put Rescue 1122 on high alert. and directed K-Electric to ensure an uninterrupted power supply to water board pumping stations and discouraged the practice of switching off electricity during heavy rain.
