KARACHI, LAHORE: Dozens of families have been left stranded as the River Indus’s waters breached into the katcha area near Mehar, Sindh, while record-breaking monsoon showers continue to lash large swathes of the country, causing urban flooding and swelling of rivers.
The situation in Mehar is critical, with rescue and relief activities yet to begin, jeopardizing the lives of flood victims.
The affected communities are not only facing a food shortage but are also grappling with the outbreak of contagious diseases. The rising water level in the River Indus adds to the urgency of the situation.
Torrential rains in Sindh over the past few days have heightened fears of urban flooding and further increases in river water levels. Fishermen have been warned against venturing deep into the sea due to unstable conditions.
Karachi and other parts of Sindh have experienced intermittent rainfall, affecting areas like Sharae Faisal, Shah Faisal Colony, Defence, Clifton, and Saddar. Punjab cities like Multan have also seen unprecedented rainfall, with a 48-year record broken after 147 millimeters of rain fell in just two hours, inundating areas and affecting the Social Security Hospital.
The Weather Department warns of more severe conditions to come, with ongoing rainfall expected to last until August 31. A monsoon low from Gujarat, India, is forecast to move towards Karachi, potentially causing significant flooding in Sindh, southern Punjab, and Balochistan.
Chief Meteorologist Sarfaraz Ahmad noted that the current rain-producing system has intensified into a deep depression, threatening with winds up to 33 nautical miles and heavy rainfall expected in the coming days. Karachi might receive up to 200 millimeters of rain, with neighboring cities expecting even more.
Safety warnings have been issued against standing near billboards, electricity poles, and solar panels during storms due to potential hazards. Further rainfall is also anticipated across Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, with Sindh preparing for intense thundershowers and gusty winds.
