MITHI: Widespread rains lash­ed parts of lower Sindh, from Thar desert to Khirthar range, on Friday reviving hopes among Tharis that the showers will help forestall a much-feared drought in the arid zone by recharging aquifers and sending a wave of joy through farmers in the areas which had been facing acute shortage of water for months.

Almost all parts of Thar, including hilly areas of Nagarparkar, Islamkot and Chhachhro, received light to moderate rain along with thunderstorm.

Thari villagers told this reporter that they were overjoyed to have the much-awaited rains and said that although season of cultivation of traditional crops was almost over current showers would greatly help in recharging water table and wells and revive withering grass, which was fast drying up for lack of water for over a month. If it rained abundantly they would be able to store rainwater in natural ponds for use in future, they said.

BADIN: The district saw light to moderate rain coupled with thunderstorm, including the towns of Badin, Matli, Kario Ghanwar, Tando Ghulam Ali, Tando Bago, Talhar, Pangrio, Kadhan and the coastal belt. As soon as it started raining power supply went off in most parts of the district.

MIRPURKHAS: Rain with windstorm and thunderstorm hit the city and its outskirts decreasing temperatures and inundating low-lying areas, main roads and bazaars. Strong winds uprooted many signboards and trees in different areas.

Growers expressed joy over the rainfall and said that faced with acute shortage of irrigation water they were in dire need of rainfall at this time to help their standing cotton crop mature and sow chilli, onion, tomato, sunflower and other crops.

It continued to rain intermittently in the city and adjoining areas of Mirwah Gorchani, Digri, Tando Jan Mohammad, Jhuddo, Naokot, Kot Ghulam Mohammad, Jhilori, Sindhri and Khaan.

DADU: Rainwater in Nai Gaaj Nullah, a natural storm-water drain, rose to 15 feet after heavy rains in Khirthar range of mountains, which disconnected road communication between 60 big and small villages of Wahi Pandhi and Johi towns in Dadu district. A number of mud-thatched houses on the drain’s banks and bed came under floodwater.

Residents of the area expressed the fear if it continued to rain heavily in the mountainous area, Nai Gaaj might overflow its banks and cause shortage of food and water in marooned villages.

They said the district administration and irrigation department had not taken any measures to protect lives and properties of people in the event of floods.

SANGHAR: It rained heavily in Achhro Thar, an extension of Thar desert, which was facing drought-like conditions for several months forcing people to migrate to irrigated areas.

Sanghar, Khipro, Sinjhoro, Shah­dadpur and their adjoining areas also received light to moderate rain, which cooled down temperatures and made the weather pleasant. The rain led to power breakdown and flooded low-lying areas.

HYDERABAD: The city and its adjoining areas received light to moderate rainfall on Friday night, ending long dry spell. It started raining at 8.45pm and continued till 10.15pm. Power went off in several parts of the city with the first drop of rain.

Published in Dawn, August 18th, 2018