KARACHI: Several spells of first winter rain lashed most parts of lower Sindh on Sunday night and continued into Monday evening turning weather chillier and causing widespread power outages and disruption in the routine life.

Besides Karachi, rainfall was reported from Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Dadu, Matiari and Tando Allahyar districts. Tandojam and Tando Mohammad Khan towns and their adjoining areas also received showers.

HYDERABAD: The first spell of the rain lashed the district on Sunday night and continued for quite some time before a second spell that started at about 5pm on Monday and continued intermittently till after sunset, turning weather more pleasant.

The rainfall caused slime and slush on roads and in streets. Electric supply was badly affected. According to a Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco) spokesman, 110 out of the total 578 feeders in its region remained disturbed during the rain. In Hyderabad city, 50 feeders either stopped functioning due to technical faults or were shut down for safety reasons.

The local Met office recorded 6mm and 3mm rainfall at its airport and city offices, respectively, till 2am on Monday. In the evening, 5.8mm rainfall was recorded at the airport office, it said.

MIRPURKHAS: Winter showers in most parts of this district caused drop of mercury on Sunday night forcing people to remain indoors. Intermittent rainfall on Monday evening led to closure of markets, bazaars, shops and vending stalls. Commercial areas were rendered without customers and vehicular traffic gradually became thin due to accumulation of rainwater on roads and in streets.

DADU: Widespread showers were reported from Johi, Wahi Pandhi, Mehar and Khairpur Nathan Shah towns of the district, besides Dadu city and Gorakh Hills.

Vehicular traffic on intercity routes and major arteries remained thin due to slippery conditions that made driving risky.

Jamshoro city and several other towns of the district, including Sehwan and Kotri also received rain.

BADIN: Rainfall in different areas of this district on Monday evening led to suspension of all trade, business and commercial activities. People mostly remained indoors as weather turned chillier. Most areas wore a deserted look as public transport and private vehicles went off the road after a first spell of rain.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2021