KARACHI: As heavy rain hits Karachi and streets flooded with rainwater, the city administration has declared emergency to tackle urban flooding.
As per details, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab issued instructions to the municipal services of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and suspended leaves of all staffers concerned to be on the ground to clear rain water and provide rescue services.
Mayor urged all relevant authorities and the public to take necessary precautions to minimize the impact heavy rains.
Karachi weather turned pleasant after light to moderate rain hit several parts of the city following several days of hot and humid weather.
As per details, rain was received several areas of Karachi including Sharea Faisal, Shah Faisal Colony, the airport, Malir Halt, Rafah-e-Aam, Surjani Town, Korangi and the surrounding areas.
Earlier, the Met Office said strong monsoon winds are entering parts of Sindh and rainy days in Karachi to continue till August 23rd.
Rain thunderstorm/rain with few moderate to isolated heavy falls is likely in Karachi, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Larkana, Qambar Shahdadkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Badin, Thatta, Tharparkar, and surrounding areas.
Moreover, isolated heavy falls are also expected in upper KP, Pothohar region and Kashmir.
It is pertinent to mention that the northern areas of Pakistan are already suffering from devastating landslides and floods.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also issued warnings that:
- Flash floods may hit streams and nullahs in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Potohar, D.G. Khan/Koh-e-Suleman and northeastern Balochistan.
- Urban flooding is likely in low-lying parts of northeastern Punjab, Islamabad/Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Nowshera and southeastern Sindh.
- Landslides and mudslides could block roads in hilly areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Murree, Galliyat and Kashmir.
- Strong winds, heavy rain and lightning may damage weak structures such as Kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles and solar panels.
The public, travellers and tourists are advised to stay cautious, avoid unnecessary exposure and keep track of the latest weather alerts.
