KARACHI: In anticipation of heavy rainfall forecasted by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the Sindh government has declared a rain emergency in the province.
Karachi, the largest city in Sindh, is gearing up for potential urban flooding, leading to a decision to operate government and private offices for only half a day on Friday.
Precautionary measures for Rain Emergency
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui emphasized the decision as a precautionary measure, urging citizens to minimize unnecessary travel to avoid inconvenience. The PMD had earlier predicted rain, windstorms, and the possibility of isolated hailstorms in Sindh from February 29 to March 2.
Though preparations have been made, as a matter of abundant precaution, it has been decided in meeting presided by CM that tomorrow will be a half day for offices in Karachi division from 2 PM. Citizens are requested to also avoid unnecessary movement to avoid any inconvenience https://t.co/r2sh171SMN
— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) February 29, 2024
In response to the forecast, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) declared a rain emergency, canceled staff leaves, and mobilized heavy machinery to clear drainage channels. Mayor Siddiqui acknowledged the impact of climate change on Karachi, emphasizing the unexpected nature of rainfall in February and March.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, addressing a meeting on rain predictions, officially declared a rain emergency across the province. He placed local bodies, administrations, and hospitals on high alert, cautioning people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. The chief minister highlighted the expectation of three to four spells of rain hitting Karachi on Friday afternoon.
PDMA Director General Salman Shah briefed the meeting on the expected rainfall, with southern parts of Sindh anticipated to receive rain from Thursday night to March 2. Karachi, specifically, is expected to experience 13 to 16 millimeters of rain on Friday afternoon.
The CM underscored the importance of water management, mentioning dams built in Karachi to address water-related issues. Mayor Siddiqui addressed ongoing efforts to resolve rainwater drainage problems in the city.
In a separate meeting at CM House, Chief Secretary Dr. Fakhre Alam, Secretary Local Government Manzoor Shaikh, and other officials discussed preparedness for the rain emergency. CM Shah announced a half-day for all government and private offices, including educational institutions, in Karachi on Friday.
The PDMA’s Salman Shah informed that Karachi should brace for 16 to 32 mm of rainfall within a 12-hour period on March 1. The government instructed local bodies, hospitals, water board, Karachi Electric (KE), and cantonments to be prepared for any situation.
The CM directed town chairmen to oversee stormwater and sewerage systems, ensuring their readiness. The PDMA DG committed to providing necessary machinery for rainwater disposal, with Rescue 1122 on high alert. K-Electric was tasked with maintaining uninterrupted power supply to water board pumping stations.
While focusing on Karachi, CM Shah also directed divisional commissioners in Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, and Shaheed Benazirabad to take measures to meet emergency requirements.
In light of potential flooding, Rescue 1122’s Sindh Emergency Rescue Service (SERS) has revoked leaves for officials, emphasizing preparedness and coordination. The PMD’s warning included advice for fishermen in Balochistan and Sindh to exercise caution, anticipating heavy falls leading to urban flooding in low-lying areas.
As Karachi braces for the impending rainfall, the city remains on high alert, with civic authorities and emergency services gearing up to manage the rain emergency and its potential consequences. Citizens are urged to stay informed and take necessary precautions during this weather event.
