Over 200 K-Electric feeders are affected; CM Murad Ali Shah orders emergency rain response across Sindh
The season’s first monsoon spell drenched Karachi on Friday, bringing light, moderate and heavy rain to different parts of the city after the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted more rain accompanied by thunder and lightning over the next two days.
The rain began in the city’s outskirts, including Gulshan-e-Maymar, Surjani Town, Ahsanabad and Manghopir, in the evening before gradually spreading to other areas.
Light to heavy rainfall was recorded in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Nazimabad, Jamshed Road, DHA, Mahmoodabad, Empress Market, Bohri Bazaar, Jehangir Park, the Mobile Market and surrounding localities, bringing significant relief from the heat and humidity.
Moreover, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said emergency drainage operations were under way across the city following the rainfall.
He said all relevant departments had been placed on high alert and directed officers and field staff to remain on duty until rainwater had been completely drained.
Special teams and dewatering pumps had been deployed in low-lying areas, he said.
The mayor urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during the rain and to observe safety precautions.
“The protection of citizens’ lives and property is our top priority, and all available resources are being utilised,” Wahab said.
He added that affected areas were being continuously monitored, all institutions remained fully mobilised and no negligence in drainage operations would be tolerated.
The PMD forecast further rainfall over the next two days. The PMD said strong monsoon winds from the Arabian Sea continued to enter Sindh due to a low-pressure system over southwestern Rajasthan.
It further added that under the influence of the weather system, Karachi was expected to receive more rain accompanied by thunder and lightning on July 25 and 26.
The Met Office said rain accompanied by strong winds, dust storms and thunderstorms was expected from Friday until Monday in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro and Shaheed Benazirabad, with heavy rainfall likely at isolated places.
Light to moderate rain was also forecast for the upper Sindh districts of Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Khairpur and Naushahro Feroze.
Over 200 K-Electric feeders affected
Meanwhile, the first monsoon rain disrupted K-Electric’s power distribution system, with more than 200 feeders affected across the city.
Power outages were reported in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Guru Mandir, Jamshed Road, Naval Colony, Moach Goth, Orangi Town, Federal B Area, North Nazimabad, FB Area, Gulistan-e-Johar, Sohrab Goth, Scheme 33, Shadman, Manghopir, Banaras, Nazimabad, Paposh Nagar and several other localities.
Electricity supply was also suspended in some areas due to damaged feeders, snapped power lines and faulty pole-mounted transformers (PMTs).
In a statement, a K-Electric spokesperson said the utility’s teams had been placed on alert in view of the weather conditions.
“We appeal to citizens to observe safety precautions during rainfall,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson advised residents to maintain a safe distance from electricity infrastructure, including poles, meters, internet and television cables and other wires.
The utility also urged the public to exercise caution while using electrical appliances, including water pumps, during and after the rain, avoid touching electrical switches with wet hands and keep children away from electric motors and other electrical equipment.
CM declares high alert over heavy rain forecast
Separately, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah declared a high alert across the province in view of the forecast of heavy rainfall.
He directed local government institutions, the Water Board and district administrations to remain operational round the clock.
The chief minister ordered the immediate cleaning of stormwater drains and the clearance of choking points in Karachi and other major cities while also directing authorities to install dewatering pumps in low-lying areas to ensure the prompt drainage of rainwater.
The chief minister instructed deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners across the province to personally supervise operations in the field and directed police to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on major roads and intersections.
He also ordered the activation of provincial and district-level rain emergency control rooms to address public complaints.
“Strict action will be taken against any officer found negligent or guilty of dereliction of duty,” the chief minister said.
