PDMA Forecasts Heavy Rainfall in Karachi
The Sindh Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued a warning indicating that Karachi is likely to face significantly heavy rainfall during the upcoming monsoon season, with forecasts predicting a surge of over 100% in rains between July and August.
This alarming forecast was discussed during a meeting chaired by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi.
Concerned citizens have voiced fears that the heavy rains could lead to substantial damage, especially if proactive measures are not taken to clear the city’s drains. Karachi’s drainage system is under strain, with reports indicating that 550 waste drains are blocked, posing a serious risk of flooding.
The PDMA briefed the meeting on the expectation of a more than 100% increase in rainfall during July and August of this year.
Commissioner Naqvi stressed that preemptive directives have been issued to all relevant institutions to prepare for the expected heavy rains. He stated, “If heavy rainfall occurs, the potential for major damage is high due to 550 clogged waste drains throughout the city.”
The PDMA emphasized the critical importance of implementing effective measures to clear the drains and ensure proper water drainage. Failure to take these precautions could result in severe flooding and associated disasters in low-lying areas of Karachi during the monsoon season.
The PDMA’s alert serves as a vital reminder for both the city’s authorities and residents to take immediate and proactive steps to mitigate the potential impacts of the impending monsoon rains.
Additionally, on Friday, Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah chaired a meeting to assess the preparations for the urban flooding risk in Karachi in light of the forthcoming monsoon rains. Shah emphasized that all relevant institutions were collaborating with the Meteorological Department and PDMA to address the potential challenges posed by stormy rains and flooding in Sindh.
Shah directed the concerned departments to ensure the availability of emergency equipment, machinery, dewatering pumps, and field personnel. He highlighted that due to climate change, the province has been experiencing higher-than-usual levels of rainfall and floods.
