The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned citizens against urban flooding in Karachi and other parts of lower Sindh from Tuesday till Friday due to rain caused by strong monsoon currents. Other parts of the country will also receive light to heavy rainfall, the weather department predicted. According to report, widespread rainfall with thunderstorm is expected at isolated places in Hazara, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Lahore, Sargodha, Faisalabad, DG Khan, Multan, Bahawalpur, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Hyderabad, Kalat, Quetta, Sibi, Zhob, Naseerabad, Islamabad and Kashmir region, whereas hot and humid weather is expected elsewhere in the country in the next 24 hours. According to the Met office, strong monsoon currents are likely to penetrate southern parts of the country, while moderate currents in the upper parts and Kashmir region from Tuesday to Friday. The weather department said that heavy rainfall may cause urban flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad and Mirpur Khas divisions on Wednesday and Thursday, adding that flash flooding is also expected in the vulnerable Nullas/streams of eastern Balochistan. Moreover, the temperature is expected to rise and sea-breeze may also come to a halt on Tuesday. It is being reported that Mithi, Hyderabad, Badin, Tharparkar and other areas of Sindh will receive heavy rains as a storm system is expected to enter into the province from Tuesday. The weather forecasting department feared flash flooding while ruling out threat of a hurricane. The drains of the city feared to get clogged easily during Eid celebrations begin from Saturday entailing sacrificing of animals and reckless disposal of animal waste. It is worth mentioning here that around a dozen of people died, mostly due to electrocution, after downpour battered the city. Meanwhile, the Sindh government has directed the authorities concerned to ensure that preparations are in place to tackle any emergency situation in case of flooding. The municipal and relevant authorities have been told to make sure that drains and the city’s sewage system are properly cleaned to prevent clogging. The provincial capital, Karachi, has experienced intermittent rain spells over the past week that have claimed over five lives and caused severe drainage and electricity issues. Federal and provincial governments should take preemptive measures to handle any untoward situations in the case of incessant rains and flash floods. The directions should be given to relevant institutions and they should be put on high alerts to make arrangements to save the lives of the people in the case of any eventuality.
