KARACHI: Widespread rain/wind-thundershowers are expected in Sindh and eastern parts of Balochistan from Aug 6 under a monsoon spell that may generate urban flooding in Karachi and Hyderabad, said an advisory issued by the Met department on Monday.

“A monsoon low pressure [system] from Bay of Bengal is likely to approach Sindh on Thursday (evening/night). Under the influence of this weather system strong monsoon currents are expected to penetrate in Sindh, South Punjab and Eastern Balochistan from Thursday (evening/night) to Saturday,” it said.

The areas likely to receive rain/wind-thundershowers, with isolated heavy to very heavy rains include Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Tando Mohammad Khan, Jamshoro, Dadu and Shaheed Benazirabad.

“Heavy downpour may generate urban flooding in Karachi and Hyderabad and flash flooding in hill torrents of Khuzdar on Friday/Saturday. All concerned authorities are advised to remain alert during the period,” the advisory added.

Asked whether the weather system has a name as being suggested on the social media, weatherman Abdul Qayoom Bhutto replied in the negative. “It’s unfortunate that some people are using social media to spread false information. Only tropical cyclones are given distinctive names to ease the communication process and provide guidance and information to the general public,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 4th, 2020