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Karachi Receives Rain as Pakistan Braces for Widespread Downpours and Potential Flooding
Karachi enjoys a break from the heat with light to moderate rain as the Met Office forecasts widespread downpours across Pakistan.
ND
by News Desk
2024-07-20
Karachi Receives Rain as Pakistan Braces for Widespread Downpours and Potential Flooding

Parts of Karachi experienced light to moderate rain on Saturday, bringing much-needed relief after days of extreme heat and humidity. According to DawnNewsTV, areas such as Clifton, II Chundrigar Road, Saddar, Malir Colony, Landhi, Garden, and Naya Nazimabad reported rainfall accompanied by thunder.

Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz informed Dawn.com that thunderstorms and rain bands were widespread across Karachi, predicting that most areas of the city would receive "good rain" throughout the day. "Main and core development [of the system] is in the south, and will gradually drift towards the north," he explained.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast further rain over the next 24 hours, predicting scattered rain, windstorms, and thundershowers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, central and southern Punjab, Sindh, northeast and south Balochistan, Islamabad, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Pothohar region. The PMD highlighted that heavy falls are likely in isolated areas of south Punjab, northeast Balochistan, and southeast and upper Sindh.

In Karachi, the maximum temperature was expected to range between 38-40°C with 76 percent humidity. Mayor Murtaza Wahab assured that all underpasses in the city were clear and open for traffic, with municipal staff on the ground to address any emerging issues.

The recent rains have provided respite to Karachi residents from the sweltering heat, while also raising concerns about urban flooding. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of potential flash floods and urban flooding due to the expected heavy rainfall, which could elevate water levels in local nullahs.

The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) also issued a warning about the possibility of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in the mountainous regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Gilgit-Baltistan, due to rising temperatures and anticipated heavy rainfall from July 17 to 23.

Over the past 24 hours, various parts of the country reported rain and windstorms. The highest rainfall was recorded in Parachinar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with 63 millimeters, followed by other regions such as Mirkhani, Dir, Drosh, Kalam, and Balakot. In Sindh, Tando Jam received the highest rainfall at 34mm, while Khanewal recorded the highest in Punjab with 22mm.

The Met Office Director General Mehar Sahibzada Khan noted that the ongoing rain spell would continue until July 21, urging the public to take necessary precautions to avoid any untoward incidents. He also highlighted the risk of landslides in hilly areas, including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

As the nation prepares for the predicted widespread downpours, authorities are on high alert to manage and mitigate the risks associated with heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
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Pakistan

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KarachiRain

UrbanFlooding

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