More than 200 K-Electric departures are affected; CM Murad Ali Shah orders emergency rain response across Sindh
The first monsoon of the season flooded Karachi on Friday, bringing light, moderate and heavy rains to different parts of the city after the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted more rain accompanied by thunder and lightning over the next two days.
The rain started in the evening in the outskirts of the city, including Gulshan-e-Maymar, Surjani town, Ahsanabad and Manghopir, before gradually spreading to other areas.
Light to heavy rains were recorded in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Nazimabad, Jamshed Road, DHA, Mahmoodabad, Empress Market, Bohri Bazaar, Jehangir Park, Mobile Market and surrounding localities, bringing significant relief from heat and humidity.
Additionally, Karachi Mayor’s lawyer Murtaza Wahab said emergency drainage operations were underway across the city following the rains.
He said all relevant departments had been placed on alert and ordered officers and field staff to remain on duty until the rainwater was completely drained.
Special teams and dewatering pumps have been deployed to low-lying areas, he said.
The mayor urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel in the rain and to respect safety measures.
“Protecting the lives and property of citizens is our top priority, and all available resources are being used,” Wahab said.
He added that the affected areas were continuously monitored, all institutions remained fully mobilized and no negligence in drainage operations would be tolerated.
The PMD forecasts further rainfall over the next two days. The PMD said strong monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea continued to enter Sindh due to a low pressure system over southwest Rajasthan.
He further added that under the influence of the weather system, Karachi is expected to receive more rains accompanied by thunder and lightning on July 25 and 26.
The Met Office said rain accompanied by strong winds, dust storms and thunderstorms were expected from Friday to Monday at Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro and Shaheed Benazirabad, with heavy rain likely at isolated places.
Light to moderate rains were also forecast for upper Sindh districts of Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Khairpur and Naushahro Feroze.
More than 200 K-Electric departures affected
Meanwhile, early monsoon rains disrupted K-Electric’s power distribution system, with over 200 power lines affected across the city.
Power outages were reported from Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Guru Mandir, Jamshed Road, Naval Colony, Moach Goth, Orangi Town, Federal B Area, North Nazimabad, FB Area, Gulistan-e-Johar, Sohrab Goth, Scheme 33, Shadman, Manghopir, Banaras, Nazimabad, Paposh Nagar and several other localities.
Electricity supply was also suspended in some areas due to damaged power lines, broken power lines and faulty pole-mounted transformers (PMTs).
In a statement, a K-Electric spokesperson said that the public service’s teams had been put on alert in view of the weather conditions.
“We call on citizens to respect safety precautions in the event of rain,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson advised residents to maintain a safe distance from electrical infrastructure, including poles, meters, internet and television cables and other wires.
The utility also urged the public to exercise caution when using electrical appliances, including water pumps, during and after rain, avoid touching electrical switches with wet hands, and keep children away from electric motors and other electrical equipment.
CM declares high alert following forecast of heavy rains
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah declared high alert across the province in view of forecast of heavy rains.
He ordered local government institutions, Water Board and district administrations to remain operational 24 hours a day.
The chief minister ordered immediate cleaning of storm drains and removal of choke points in Karachi and other major cities, while directing authorities to install dewatering pumps in low-lying areas to ensure quick drainage of rainwater.
The chief minister directed deputy commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province to personally supervise the ground operations and asked the police to ensure smooth flow of traffic on major roads and intersections.
He also ordered the activation of emergency rainfall control rooms at the provincial and district levels to respond to public complaints.
“Strict action will be taken against any officer found negligent or guilty of dereliction of duty,” the chief minister said.
