The Sindh government has declared Monday (25 July) as a public holiday in Karachi and Hyderabad division, as both the cities received moderate to heavy rain on Sunday, with more rain expected in the next 48 hours.
The announcement was made by Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon after at least one person died due to rain-related incidents in Karachi.
Memon said the decision was taken because it was raining since 5 am. He also requested the private sector to shut down their offices.
Meanwhile, Police Surgeon Dr Sumaiya Syed told don.com That the body of a 40-year-old man was brought from Lee Market in the city to Civil Hospital Karachi near Memon Masjid. The cause of death was electrocution, he said.
During the last 24 hours, the highest rainfall occurred in Qaidabad (4.5 mm), followed by Sadar (4 mm), Korangi (3 mm), Gulshan-e-Hadid (3 mm), PAF Masroor Base (2.4 mm), Orangi Town (2 mm), University Road (1.5 mm), PAF Faisal Base (1.5 mm), Kemari (1.4 mm), Jinnah Terminal (0.8 mm), DHA Stage 2 (0.6 mm), North Karachi (0.6 mm) and Old Hawaii The base area (0.6 mm), data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) showed.
Karachi Administrator Murtaza Wahab said it has been raining “incessantly” in Karachi since morning.
“However, as of now the situation is under control. All main roads and underpasses are open to traffic. The water accumulated on the side of the roads will be cleaned.”
A day earlier, Wahab had shared pictures of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. seizure To take stock of rain preparedness and clean storm water drains in different parts of the metropolis.
“The whole administration will be there” [the] To ensure that the rain water flows out,” the Karachi administrator had assured.
Meanwhile, a K-Electric (KE) spokesperson said that the power utility had received reports of rain in different parts of the city.
one in Chain In tweets, he urged citizens to be careful while using electrical equipment and maintain a safe distance from billboards, electric poles and under-construction buildings in case of strong wind.
He warned that power supply could be disrupted in low-lying areas due to accumulation of rain water.
“KE staff are constantly monitoring the situation and are on alert,” he said, adding that citizens can register their complaints on the 118 helpline.
Karachi police on alert
Additional Inspector General of Police Javed Odho directed all the field commanders to stay in their respective areas during the rains.
A release issued by the Karachi Police said that the officers posted in the Operations and Traffic Department have been directed to remain in their designated areas.
The Special Protection Unit was also instructed to be on standby to assist the Rain Emergency Unit in helping civilians.
“Police vehicles deployed on patrol have been directed to carry necessary equipment to assist vehicles stuck in rain water,” the statement said. Officials have been asked to get in touch with the administration to ensure assistance.
In case of emergency citizens can contact 15 helpline and get traffic updates by dialing 1915.
Separately, a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Karachi Traffic Police said that heavy rain was predicted by the Meteorological Department in Karachi and the traffic police would continue to serve the public.
It said the Deputy Inspector General of Police had put the traffic police on high alert and personnel were on the roads to help the citizens.
“More than 30 recovery vehicles and over 30 patrol vehicles are present on important roads and locations for public assistance and rescue operations,” the statement said.
Widespread rain, thundershowers likely
In the latest weather advisory issued on Sunday, the PMD said that strong monsoon currents “are continuously entering Sindh since last night” and would remain so till July 26-27.
“Under the influence of this weather system, widespread rain-wind/thunderstorms with scattered heavy/very heavy falls (extremely heavy at times) are likely in Tharparker, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Tando M Khan, Tando Allayar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Sanghar, Nawabshah, Khairpur, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Dadu, Jamshoro, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Ghotki and Kashmore districts and Karachi division from today to July 26-27,” the PMD said.
The department has warned that heavy rains may cause urban flooding/waterlogging in low-lying areas of Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Umarkot, Tharparkar, Tando M Khan, Tando Allair, Sanghar, Nawabshah, Dadu, Jamshoro. . Kambar Shahdadkot, Larkana and Sukkur during the forecast period.
“Strong winds can damage weak and loose structures. Incessant heavy rains over Khujdar, Lasbela, Hub and Kirthar ranges may put pressure on Hub dam and cause flash floods in Dadu and Jamshoro districts.
The monsoon season in Pakistan this year has wreaked havoc in Sindh and Balochistan. Earlier, Climate Change Minister Sherry Rahman said that it rained in the provinces Broken 30 year record.