The Sindh government has ramped up preparations for potential urban flooding as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts heavy rainfall across the province, with up to 200mm expected in Karachi and more than 500mm in other cities. The downpour, predicted to last from August 27 to August 30, has prompted authorities to take urgent measures and alert all relevant departments.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired a high-level meeting, where PMD officials detailed the potential impact of the torrential rains. Key attendees included provincial ministers, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Sukkur Mayor Arsalan Shaikh, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and representatives from the army and navy.
The PMD warned that Karachi and several other cities, including Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparkar, and Tando Muhammad Khan, could experience significant rainfall, raising concerns of urban flooding. The Met Office also highlighted that districts like Sukkur, Larkana, and Jacobabad might face waterlogging and damage from gusty winds.
In response, Chief Minister Shah directed all local government bodies, district administrations, and the irrigation department to remain vigilant and ready for emergency actions.
Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani reported that the city’s storm drains are being cleaned, and drainage systems in other major cities have been maintained to handle the expected deluge. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab noted that additional machinery had been provided to assist with drain cleaning, and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation is on standby to manage the sewerage system.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has also mobilised resources, including machinery to pump out water from low-lying areas. The PDMA’s stockpile of emergency supplies, such as tents, tarpaulins, and hygiene kits, is ready for deployment if needed.
Additionally, the chief minister has instructed the Fisheries Department to warn fishermen of the hazardous conditions and advised citizens to avoid the sea during the forecasted period. An emergency cell has been established at the CM Secretariat to handle public complaints, with hotlines set up for assistance.