WASHINGTON: The US State Department said on Saturday that it’s been saddened by the loss of lives in the unprecedented rains that wreaked havoc in parts of Sindh and Balochistan this week.

“We are aware of the unprecedented rainfall and flooding that has affected Karachi and the surrounding areas,” said a statement issued in Washington.

“We are saddened by the loss of lives and offer our deep condolences to the families of the victims and to the entire community,” the department added.

Heavy rains hit parts of Pakistan earlier this week, bringing more flooding to Karachi and towns and villages around. Scores of people have died in these rains and thousands have been displaced. Torrential rains have fallen in Karachi between Sunday and Friday, forcing authorities to use boats to evacuate people trapped in flooded streets. Various US weather monitoring agencies have predicted overcast skies and intermittent rains in Karachi next week as well.

The monitors predicted “patchy rain” on Sunday, noting that clouds will increase humidity to 87 per cent.

Light rain shower is predicted on Aug 31 with an expected accumulation of 17.80mm and 86 per cent humidity.

Light rain shower is also predicted on Sept 1 with an average accumulation of 0.8mm and 83 per cent humidity.

Patchy rain is also possible on Sept 2, although expected accumulation is shown as 0mm. Humidity, however, will remain high at 88 per cent.

Sept 3 can be cloudy and humid but no rains. Light rain showers may return on Sept 4, with an expected accumulation of 0.9mm and 88 per cent humidity.

Patchy rain is possible on Sept 5 as well, with an expected accumulation of 1.6mm and 73 per cent humidity.

Sept 6 and 7 will be partly cloudy and humid with no rains.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2020