The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that another rain-producing system, nearly identical to the previous one, is approaching Karachi, prompting the Sindh Health Department to declare a health emergency in the province.
According to the Met department, this system is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rains to Karachi and various districts of Sindh by this evening (Thursday). Thatta, Badin, Mithi, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Islamkot, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, and Larkana are among the other districts that are likely to experience the wet spell with thunderstorms.
In Karachi, the rain is also anticipated to be more intense on July 15 and 16.
The Sindh Health Department has declared a health emergency at all tertiary-care hospitals in Karachi and other province cities due to the predicted heavy rains, and has ordered the authorities to set up control rooms at all district health offices and hospitals.
The PMD officials in Islamabad also issued a warning about the ongoing penetration of the upper and central parts of the nation by monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal.
They claimed that beginning today, heavy rains would also fall in Punjab, Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, eastern Balochistan, and other regions of the nation.
The rain-producing system is so potent that it can also result in heavy to very heavy rains in Zhob, Ziarat, Barkhan, Loralai, Bolan, Kohlu, Kalat, Khuzdar, and Lasbela, according to the Met department.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also instructed the relevant federal ministries and departments, the provincial governments, and their line departments to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to deal with any unfavourable situation in light of the forecast for heavy rains.
According to a statement from the NDMA, the relevant departments have been instructed to make sure that dewatering pumps and other emergency equipment are set up in advance, as well as that emergency personnel are available to respond to any emergency, particularly in the event of a blockage, road closure, or other damage in major cities like Karachi.
The NDMA has instructed the authorities to ensure that the population is promptly evacuated from low-lying and flood-prone areas in accordance with the evacuation plans and to ensure that there is enough food, shelter, and medical care available at camps.
It also urged the pertinent agencies and departments to organise widespread public awareness campaigns, warn citizens about potential risks related to the monsoon season, and discourage unnecessary travel.
It requested that the provincial authorities direct the law enforcement organisations and the traffic police to inform travellers and tourists about potential situations, the dangers of wet areas and underpasses, and other relevant information while cautioning them against unnecessary movement.
In Karachi, the temperature dropped to 28 degrees Celsius on Thursday morning, with a 78 percent humidity level. According to PMD, today’s temperature will remain between 33°C and 35°C.
