Following moderate to heavy rainfall in Karachi the previous day, city police were put on high alert on Tuesday as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted further rainfall. A deep depression system approaching from Rajasthan brought light to moderate showers to several cities, including Karachi, on Monday evening.
PMD’s chief meteorologist, Sardar Sarfaraz, stated that the system is moving westward and southwestward, showing no signs of weakening. He warned that lower Sindh could experience very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, with 400mm to 500mm expected over a four-day period (August 27-30), particularly in Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparkar, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Tando Allah Yar.
Karachi is also expected to receive heavy rains, though not as intense, with the city likely to see 150mm to 200mm of rainfall from Wednesday to Friday.
In response to the PMD’s forecast, Additional Inspector General of Police (AIG) Karachi, Javed Alam Odho, instructed the city’s police force to take precautionary measures. According to a notification from the AIG’s office, all field commanders were ordered to remain in their areas during the rainfall.
Police were directed to manage traffic by providing alternate routes in flood-prone areas and ensuring smooth traffic flow during and after the rains. Patrolling police vehicles were also instructed to carry necessary tools to assist vehicles stranded in the rain. Additionally, police were advised to coordinate with civic authorities to assist the public.
The public was urged to avoid electric wires, poles, trees, and signboards during the rainfall. For emergencies, they were advised to contact the Madadgar 15 helpline or call 1915 for traffic information and guidance. The police emphasized that all available resources were being used to ensure public safety.
On Saturday, the city administration declared a “rain emergency” for all local government institutions in anticipation of the predicted rainfall. The Met Office had forecasted heavy rains due to a weather system developing in West Bengal, expected to move westward, bringing heavy rainfall and potential urban flooding from Monday to Thursday.
During a meeting with heads of relevant institutions on Saturday, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab urged them to remain vigilant following the forecast of moderate to heavy rains in Karachi and other parts of Sindh from August 26 to 29.
Monsoon rains, occurring from June to September, provide relief from the summer heat and are essential for replenishing water supplies and supporting agriculture. However, they also bring the risk of weather-related disasters. Experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of these events. In Karachi, heavy rains often lead to urban flooding, disrupting traffic, damaging roads, causing prolonged power outages, and bringing daily life to a standstill.
