Karachi braces for over 150mm of rain as downpours expected over next three days

The latest spell of monsoon rains continued in Karachi and other parts of Sindh on Tuesday, with sporadic showers reported in several areas of the city.

In Karachi, the maximum rain of 12 milimetres was received in Gulshan-e-Hadeed, followed by 11mm in Surjani Town and 3.2mm of rain in North Karachi. Gushan-e-Iqbal, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Defence View, Bahadurabad, Keamari and other parts of the received light rain.

The Thatta district received 23mm of rain, PAF Bholari 61.4mm or rain, Badin and Sakrand 16mm of rain, Mithi 12mm of rain, Mirpurkhas and Hyderabad Airport 9mm of rain, Tando Jam 7.5mm of rain, and Hyderabad City 5mm or rain.

The heavy rain forecast set off the rumour mill with port city’s residents speculating whether the schools will remain open in the metropolis or not.

However, the Sindh education department rebuffed the rumours and said all educational institutions in Sindh, including Karachi, will remain open tomorrow (Wednesday).

A spokesperson for the education department, in a statement said, the management of all private and government schools were instructed to remain in touch with students’ parents. The spokesperson also urged the parents to avoid rumours and speculations regarding the schools’ closure.

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz has predicted heavy downpour in the metropolis till August 31. He has said the peak of this monsoon spell is yet to be seen as more than 150 millimeters rain is likely to batter the port city this week.

Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Geo Pakistan’, Sarfaraz warned heavy downpour was expected from Tuesday night in Karachi and would continue for the next three to four days. “The monsoon system is expected to grow stronger after August 28 as Karachi may receive as much as 150-200 millimeters rain,” he said.

Notably, urban flooding as a result of torrential downpours is also feared in Karachi and other cities of Sindh.

Meanwhile, the PMD said low pressure in the form of a deep depression was present in Indian Gujarat and monsoon winds under the said weather system’s influence were affecting Sindh.

“The center of the system may reach the Arabian Sea on August 29,” it said.

Moreover, in its forecast, the meteorological department mentioned that heavy rain could last in Karachi till August 31.

Emergency cell

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has announced the possibility of heavy rains across the province until August 31. The Sindh government has completed its preparations to deal with any emergency situation, and the public is urged to cooperate with authorities in the event of any sudden developments.

In a statement on Tuesday, Senior Minister Memon stated that a rain emergency cell has been established at the Chief Minister's House.

In view of the monsoon rains, the Sindh government has appointed in-charges in 30 districts across the province. The chief minister has directed all ministers, advisers, special assistants, and divisional commissioners to remain alert and active.

Memon also mentioned that there is a risk of flooding in coastal areas, fishermen have been instructed not to venture into the sea, necessary machinery has been provided to towns for drainage, and the KMC and the water board have already improved the drainage

system.

He added that local bodies and elected representatives of the Peoples Party, including the UC chairmen, have been instructed to coordinate with the relevant administrations. Additionally, the embankments from Hamal Lake to Manchar Lake are being reinforced, and the monitoring of weak points is ongoing

Rainwater drainage

On the directions of Mayor Karachi and Chairman of Karachi Water Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) Barrister Murtaza Wahab, the water corporation has fully implemented a plan to ensure the drainage of rainwater.

According to KWSC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engineer Syed Salahuddin Ahmed, all suction machines, dewatering pumps, and other machinery were deployed across key areas of the city to prevent waterlogging.

He said that the machinery was placed at important locations, including the Chief Minister House, Governor House, Metropole Hotel, Muslim Gymkhana, Meriwether Tower, Bilawal Chowrangi, Jinnah Airport, Arts Council Chowrangi, PC Hotel, 26th Street, Jinnah Hospital, Nursery, Gora Qabristan, Baloch Colony, FTC Flyover, University Road, Shahrah-e-Quaideen, Wazir Mansion, and various points on MA Jinnah Road.

Additionally, suction machines have been dispatched to all towns. Seven suction machines standby at Clifton Pumping Station and one at the Sindh High Court.

He further mentioned that as per the mayor’s instructions, Water Corporation vehicles will remain on the streets until the drainage work is completed. The corporation staff is working round the clock, in coordination with KMC and other local bodies, to ensure the quick drainage of rainwater and provide relief to the citizens.