More than 200 K-Electric feeders are affected; CM Murad Ali Shah orders emergency response for rain in Sindh
The first monsoon of the season inundated Karachi on Friday, bringing light, moderate and heavy rains in different parts of the city after the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted more rains accompanied by thunder and lightning over the next two days.
Rain began on the outskirts of the city, including Gulshan-e-Maymar, Surjani town, Ahsanabad and Manghopir, in the afternoon before gradually spreading to other areas.
Light to heavy rain was recorded in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Nazimabad, Jamshed Road, DHA, Mahmoodabad, Empress Market, Bohri Bazaar, Jehangir Park, Mobile Market and surrounding localities, significantly relieving the heat and humidity.
Additionally, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab said emergency drainage operations were being carried out across the city after the rains.
He said all relevant departments had been placed on high alert and ordered officers and field staff to remain on duty until the rainwater had completely drained.
Special equipment and drainage pumps have been deployed in low-lying areas, he said.
The mayor urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during the rain and to observe safety precautions.
“Protection of lives and properties of citizens is our top priority and all available resources are being used,” Wahab said.
He added that the affected areas were being continuously monitored, all institutions remained fully mobilized and no negligence in drainage operations would be tolerated.
The PMD predicted more rainfall for 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 southwest Rajasthan.
He 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 Meteorological Office said rain accompanied by strong winds, dust storm and thunderstorm were expected from Friday to Monday in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro and Shaheed Benazirabad, with heavy rain likely at isolated places.
Light to moderate rains were also forecast for upper Sindh districts of Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Larkana, Khairpur and Naushahro Feroze.
More than 200 K-Electric feeders affected
Meanwhile, the first monsoon rains 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.
Power supply was also suspended in some areas due to damaged feeders, broken power lines and faulty pole mounted transformers (PMT).
In a statement, a K-Electric spokesperson said the company’s equipment had been put on alert due to the weather conditions.
“We appeal to citizens to observe safety precautions during the rains,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson advised residents to maintain a safe distance from electrical infrastructure, including poles, meters, internet and television cables and other cables.
The utility also urged the public to use caution when using electrical appliances, including water pumps, during and after rain, avoid touching electrical switches with wet hands, and keep children away from electric motors and other electrical equipment.
CM declares maximum alert due to forecast of heavy rains
On the other hand, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah declared a high alert across the province in anticipation of heavy rains.
He directed local government institutions, the Water Board and district administrations to remain operational round the clock.
The Prime Minister ordered immediate clearing of stormwater drains and clearing of choke points in Karachi and other major cities, while directing authorities to install drainage pumps in low-lying areas to ensure quick drainage of rainwater.
The prime minister directed deputy and assistant commissioners across the province to personally supervise operations on the ground and directed police to ensure smooth flow of traffic on major roads and intersections.
He also ordered the activation of rain emergency control rooms at the provincial and district levels to address public complaints.
“Strict action will be taken against any official found negligent or guilty of dereliction of duty,” the Prime Minister said.
