The government of Sindh and the city administration imposed emergency in Karachi as heavy rains started lashing the provincial capital as well as other towns and cities of Sindh on Thursday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.
The Met Department has warned of urban flooding due to torrential rains forecast for the port city as well as other parts of the province during the next two to three days due to a low-pressure, a remnant of cyclone Gulab, which has entered the Arabian Sea from India and is likely to again develop into a cyclone tomorrow (Friday, October 1).
Already on Thursday, several trees and electricity poles were uprooted at different places in Karachi such as Gulshan and Millennium Mall due to fierce winds, while the fishermen at Ibrahim Hyderi, Fish Harbour, Manora and others anchored their boats as a precautionary measure.
Meanwhile, Sindh Minister for Local Bodies Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has directed the concerned departments to remain on a high alert in view of the possible development of a cyclone in the Arabian Sea.
On the other hand, Karachi Electric (K-Electric) has said it has activated its staff. It has also asked people of the port city to remain careful, and not to go near electricity poles and wires during the hostile weather.
Karachi Airport
Karachi Airport Manager issued directives to the fire department and airside to prepare themselves to deal with any emergency.
It is directed to add additional weight with the small-sized planes and helicopters to deal with the heavy wind and thunderstorms.
Karachi Airport Manager said that a few planes have been shifted to the hangar at the airport to prevent them from heavy rains and winds as it may cause damage to them.
As per the weather office, more rain-wind/thundershower with occasional gaps predicted in the Southern half of the country and monsoon rainfalls are likely to subside in the Upper parts of the country in the coming days.
Met Office informed that strong monsoon currents are likely to penetrate in Sindh from 27th September (Monday) and likely to continue till 02nd October (Saturday). Under the influence of this weather system:
Rain-wind-thundershower is expected in Mirpur Khas, Thar Parker, Umar Kot, Sanghar, Thatta, Badin, Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Allayar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Mitiari, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Kalat, Khuzdar, and Lasbella from 28th September (Tuesday) to 02nd October (Saturday) with occasional gaps. Heavy falls are also expected in Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Dadu, and Hyderabad during the period.
Possible impacts
Wind-storm may cause damages to vulnerable structures. Heavy fall may generate urban flooding in Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad and may trigger flash flooding in Kalat, Khuzdar and Lasbella during the forecast period.
The weather office asked all concerned authorities advised to remain 'alert' during the forecast period.
Paper cancelled
Sindh Board of Technical Education has postponed the paper of Diploma of Associate Engineer (DAE). Controller Examination Gull Muhammad Khund said that the DAE exam has been postponed and now it will be conducted on October 9, October 11, and October 12.
Interior Sindh
Rain-wind-thundershower is also expected at scattered places in Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Kohlu, Sibbi, Naseerabad, Barkhan, Zhob, Dera Ghazi Khan, Rajanpur, and Bahawalpur from 28th September (Tuesday) to 30th September (Thursday).
Isolated Rain-wind-thunderstorm is expected in Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Islamabad, Northeast Punjab, Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during 27th /28th September, 30th September (Thursday) and 01st October (Friday).
Weather remained hot and dry in most parts of the country. However, rain-wind/thundershower occurred in Sindh, upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Lahore, Chakwal and Kashmir on Wednesday.
Rainfall (mm) in last 24 hours: Kashmir: Kotli 22, Rawalakot 02, Sindh: Islamkot 21, Diplo 19, Mithi 12, Chachro, Badin 08, Larkana 10, Sakrand 06, Nagarparker 04, Thatta 03, Shaheed Benazirabad 01, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Cherat, Lower 03, Buner 01, Punjab: Chakwal and Lahore (City) 02.
Wednesday’s highest maximum Temperature (°C): Turbat, Sibbi 42 and Nokkundi 41.