After heavy rains drenched Karachi last night, Sardar Sarfaraz, Chief Meteorologist at the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), warned that the worst of this monsoon spell is still to come. He stated that over 150 millimeters of rain is expected to hit Karachi, with heavy downpours anticipated to continue for the next three to four days.
Sarfaraz noted on Geo News’ program ‘Geo Pakistan’ that the monsoon system is expected to strengthen after August 28, potentially bringing 150-200 millimeters of rain to Karachi. Wind thunderstorms and scattered heavy rainfall are also forecasted.
Urban flooding and rain-related inundation are concerns for Karachi and other Sindh cities. The PMD reported a low-pressure system in Gujarat, India, affecting Sindh with monsoon winds. The system might reach the Arabian Sea by August 29.
The forecast predicts heavy rain in Karachi until August 31. From last night until 8 am today, Quaidabad recorded the highest rainfall at 52mm, followed by Gulshan-e-Hadeed at 46mm. North Karachi, Nazimabad, and Surjani Town received 29.8mm, 26mm, and 25.4mm of rain, respectively.
In response, Sindh’s Senior Minister of Transport and Mass Transit, Sharjeel Inam Memon, announced the establishment of a rain emergency cell at the Chief Minister’s House in Karachi. He advised fishermen to avoid going to sea and mentioned improvements in drainage systems by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and Karachi Water and Sewerage Board.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has alerted all local bodies, district administration, and the irrigation department to prepare for any emergency situations related to the heavy rains.
