The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a significant weather advisory, predicting heavy rainfall across Sindh over the next 72 hours. The department has also warned of potential flooding in several districts due to the intense monsoon activity.
Monsoon System Impacting Sindh
According to the PMD, a powerful monsoon system is currently influencing the north-central, eastern, and northeastern regions of Balochistan, with its effects extending to Sindh. This system is expected to bring heavy downpours, particularly to low-lying areas, increasing the risk of urban flooding.
Districts at Risk
The advisory highlights that districts including Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Larkana, Qambar Shahdadkot, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Sanghar, Jamshoro, and Dadu are likely to experience intermittent rain accompanied by thunderstorms. This weather pattern is expected to persist until August 19, 2024.
Weather Outlook for Karachi
Karachi, the largest city in Sindh, is also expected to see cloudy skies with the possibility of thunderstorms over the next three days. The PMD forecasts that the city’s temperature will hover between 30 to 32 degrees Celsius. Additionally, there is a chance of gusty winds accompanying the rains, which may cause further disruptions.
Rainfall and Flooding Concerns
As of Saturday morning, Sindh has already recorded substantial rainfall, with Rohri receiving the highest at 16 mm. The lowest recorded was at Hyderabad Airport, with only 1 mm. The PMD has warned that the heavy rainfall could lead to water accumulation in various low-lying areas, especially in Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, Kashmore, Jacobabad, and Shikarpur, heightening the risk of floods.
Precautionary Measures and Warnings
The PMD has issued warnings regarding potential damages due to rain, strong winds, and lightning. The advisory cautions that roofs and walls of mud houses could collapse, and infrastructure like electricity poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels might suffer damage.
Farmers in the region are advised to plan their activities according to the weather forecast, while local authorities have been put on high alert to handle any emergency situations that may arise.
Stay Informed and Prepared
Residents of Sindh, particularly those in the affected districts, are urged to stay updated with the latest weather reports and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of expected severe weather.
By keeping these potential risks in mind and staying prepared, the impact of the heavy rains and possible flooding can be mitigated.