This news report centers around a dispute between the Sukkur city administration and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) regarding the accuracy of rainfall measurements in Sukkur, Sindh. The controversy erupted after Sukkur Mayor Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh claimed that the city experienced record-breaking rainfall of 290mm in a single day, which allegedly broke a 77-year-old record. However, the PMD’s chief meteorologist, Sardar Sarfaraz, refuted this claim, stating that only 116mm of rain was recorded in Sukkur over 48 hours, with nearby Rohri recording 134mm.
In response, Mayor Sheikh criticized the PMD, asserting that the department lacks authentic rain gauging equipment in Sukkur. He claimed that the PMD’s data is based merely on observations rather than precise measurements. Sheikh challenged the PMD to provide evidence of any rain gauge systems installed in the city and pointed out discrepancies between the PMD’s weather forecasts and the actual rainfall experienced in Sukkur during July and August.
Sheikh further explained that the provincial government has installed rain gauges in each of Sukkur’s five talukas (administrative divisions) that measure rainfall every three hours. This data is reportedly shared with various departments, including the Chief Minister’s Portal. He suggested that the data from these gauges supports the claim of record rainfall in the city.
Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani also weighed in on the matter, backing the district administration’s stance. He confirmed that 281mm of rain was recorded in Sukkur city, citing five separate spells of torrential rain. Ghani acknowledged that while the PMD has rain measurement towers in specific areas, the provincial government relies on its own system for monitoring rainfall in each taluka.
The debate highlights concerns over the accuracy and reliability of meteorological data in Sukkur, with the local government asserting the validity of its measurements in contrast to the PMD’s reports. This has led to questions about the adequacy of weather monitoring infrastructure in the region, particularly in the face of extreme weather events.
