KARACHI: In view of the forecast of heavy rains in Sindh and Balochistan from Thursday and Friday, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Wednesday warned of urban flooding and directed deputy commissioners and all officials concerned to take required measures.

“It is anticipated that these rains may lead to flooding in Jacobabad, Kamber Shahdadkot, Dadu and Malir districts as well as in taluka Sehawan [Jamshoro district] due to the overflow of eastern and northern catchments of Balochistan and Sindh,” said the PDMA alert.

It added that heavy rains in the provincial shared basins can result in flash flooding in natural drains and foothills. “Therefore, it is crucial that the district administrations/district disaster management authorities take proactive measures to mitigate the potential impact of these rains.”

“It is also essential to ensure safe evacuation of communities residing along natural drains and foothills to minimise the impact of any untoward situation,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Met department has forecast a sunny day for Karachi on Thursday with maximum temperature ranging between 17-19 degrees Celsius.

Temperature is likely to drop to 13-15°C on Friday (tomorrow) as the city is likely to experience intermittent thunderstorm/rain with few heavy falls.

According to the advisory, rain/thunderstorms with few heavy falls are expected in northern parts of the province from Feb 29 till March 2. Similar weather conditions are likely to prevail in the rest of the province from March 1.

“Heavy falls may generate urban flooding in low-lying areas. Fishermen of Balochistan are advised not to venture in deep sea till March 1 while those of Sindh are advised to remain careful during the forecast period,” it says.

Published in Dawn, February 29th, 2024