KARACHI: Heavy rainfall was reported across various parts of Karachi on Thursday as a westerly wave affecting much of the country reached the city.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rain was recorded in areas including Quaidabad, Malir, surrounding neighborhoods, PAF Faisal Base, and Jinnah Terminal earlier in the morning. Light rain was also observed in Gulshan-i-Maymar and nearby areas, while heavy showers were reported in Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Saddar, Clifton, Garden, and Keamari.
Weather radar imagery indicated heavy downpours over northern parts of the city, accompanied by isolated hail.The PMD forecasted that today’s maximum temperature would range between 25 and 27 degrees Celsius.
The weather was expected to remain mostly cloudy, with strong winds, thundershowers, and heavy rainfall in some areas.In response to the rainfall, a rain emergency has been declared in Karachi.
Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi stated that the city administration has activated emergency measures to manage the situation. Citizens were advised to contact the rescue helpline at 1299 for any complaints or assistance. Relevant staff from various departments have been deployed under the supervision of assistant commissioners, while water corporation teams, town administration staff, solid waste management personnel, and necessary machinery have been put in place to manage water drainage and related issues.
The commissioner added that these teams will perform relief work, including water drainage and addressing traffic problems caused by the rains.
All deputy commissioners have been instructed to remain alert, with officers actively present in the field. Rain emergency help desks and camps have been established across districts and subdivisions under the commissioner’s instructions.
In District East, help desks have been set up at Nipa Chowrangi, National Stadium, Exhibition Chowrangi, Samama Chowk, Madras Chowk, Safoora Chowrangi, and Sohrab Goth. District South locations include MA Jinnah Road, Shaheen Complex Chowk, KMT Main Office, Town Administration Lyari Office, and Chakiwara.
Keamari District has help desks at Baldia Town Office, Keamari DC’s office, Truck Stand Mauripur, and Gulberg Interchange Site. In District Central, water pumps have been deployed at Ayesha Manzil and other areas in the Gulberg sub-division, with additional arrangements underway.
The Sindh government has also issued warnings, urging citizens to exercise caution during the rainy weather. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that advance preparations have been made, including the cancellation of leaves for essential staff.
Additional de-watering pumps have been installed to ensure timely drainage of rainwater from low-lying areas. Drainage chokepoints have been identified throughout the city, with staff deployed to monitor these locations.
Minister Memon further instructed that officers from relevant provincial and local government institutions remain on high alert in the field. Citizens have been asked to follow safety measures and immediately contact the relevant authorities in case of emergencies.
Meanwhile, Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) Javed Alam Odho directed all police control rooms to remain on high alert and maintain full coordination with rescue agencies to respond promptly to any emergency situations caused by the rainfall.