Climate
Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah has directed all district administrations across the province to remain on “high alert” in anticipation of a fresh spell of rains expected later this week.
The directive comes after the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast rainfall in various parts of Sindh between March 25 and March 29, with intermittent gaps. The weather system is part of a broader pattern expected to impact multiple regions across the country.
Chairing a high-level meeting on Tuesday, the chief secretary instructed the Sindh Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to immediately issue an advisory and ensure full preparedness to handle any emergency situation arising from the anticipated weather conditions.
The meeting was attended by commissioners, deputy commissioners (DCs), and assistant commissioners from across Sindh, most of whom joined virtually. Officials were directed to remain present in the field for the next seven days to monitor the situation closely and respond promptly.
Emphasising proactive measures, Shah ordered district administrations and local government bodies to stay fully mobilised. He also directed authorities to ensure the availability and operational readiness of drainage machinery to prevent urban flooding and maintain smooth traffic flow during rainfall.
In addition, immediate action was ordered against hazardous infrastructure, particularly “dangerous” billboards that could collapse due to strong winds. Authorities were also instructed to launch a public awareness campaign to keep citizens informed and prepared.
Following the directives, PDMA issued a province-wide alert warning of rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds in the coming days. According to PDMA Director General Salman Shah, several districts—including Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Dadu, Kashmore, Jacobabad, and Larkana—are likely to be affected.
Authorities have warned that strong winds and potential hailstorms may damage weak structures, including solar panels, while standing crops in rural areas could face losses due to adverse weather conditions. A drop in temperature is also expected during this period.
Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel, while tourists and commuters are urged to exercise caution. Farmers have been specifically asked to take preventive measures to safeguard their crops.
PDMA further stated that all deputy commissioners and relevant departments have been instructed to remain on high alert, with advance arrangements already in place to deal with any emergencies effectively.
Separately, in its forecast for Karachi, the PMD said the weather is expected to remain partly cloudy, with maximum temperatures ranging between 31°C and 33°C. The minimum temperature recorded was 24°C, while humidity stood at 88 percent. Winds were reported to be blowing from the northwest at a speed of eight kilometres per hour.