On Monday, several areas of Karachi received drizzle and intermittent rain as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had predicted thunderstorms and rainfall in the city due to a westerly wave.
Neighborhoods including DHA, Korangi, Delhi Colony, Clifton, Mahmoodabad and PIDC saw light to moderate rain along with overcast skies.
The PMD stated that a system of westerly winds is currently affecting the southwestern parts of the country, with the possibility of light to moderate rain in Karachi today.
“On Tuesday, Karachi is expected to experience mostly sunny conditions along with stronger-than-usual winds,” the department added.
The PMD also said that districts such as Sukkur, Kashmore and Ghotki may experience scattered thunderstorms with strong winds and moderate to heavy rain.
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Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the Sindh government has placed all relevant departments on alert in view of the expected rainfall.
“Authorities have been fully mobilised to ensure effective drainage in urban areas and to respond to any emergency, while residents of low-lying areas have been advised to take precautionary measures,” Memon said. He also added that a government plan has been prepared to protect crops and minimize potential losses for farmers.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority Punjab (PDMA) has issued alerts for rainfall and hailstorms in several districts of Punjab until April 8.
“Rainfall has been forecast in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galliyat, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Sargodha, Mianwali, Sheikhupura, Gujrat, Khushab and Mandi Bahauddin,” the authority said. Rain is also likely in Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Jhang, Chiniot, Bhakkar, Layyah and Dera Ghazi Khan, along with surrounding areas. Further showers are expected in the Dera Ghazi Khan division.
PDMA Punjab Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has issued an alert to commissioners and deputy commissioners across the province, urging the public to remain in safe places. He advised people to avoid open areas during thunderstorms and asked farmers to plan agricultural activities according to weather conditions.
“Tourists visiting northern areas have also been advised to take precautionary measures. In case of emergency, the PDMA helpline 1129 can be contacted,” it said.
Last week, six people, including a child, were killed and several others were injured in rain-related incidents as heavy downpours hit Karachi. The casualties occurred due to electrocution and wall collapses.