KARACHI: As strong monsoon currents are penetrating Sindh and are likely to bring rain across the province, the provincial government has claimed to have completed preparations to protect the life and property of the people.

According to the Met department’s advisory, thunderstorm/rain with a few moderate to isolated heavy falls are expected in most parts of the province from till Sunday (today).

It said Karachi division and Jamshoro district are likely to see “light to moderate” rain during this period.

“Heavy falls/windstorm and lightening may damage weak structures during the forecast period. Public, travellers and tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to vulnerable areas,” says the advisory.

Leave of municipal staff cancelled

In a statement issued here on Saturday, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that deputy commissioners and chairmen of local government institutions had been directed to make arrangements for drainage of rainwater.

He added that the leave of municipal staff had been cancelled, and their 24-hour presence made mandatory to ensure immediate action in any emergency situation.

Mr Memon said that the Sindh government has identified 59 dangerous buildings in Karachi’s old city area, of which 10 have been declared national heritage.

He added that the technical committee of the Sindh Building Control Authority, comprising expert structural engineers, is continuously conducting surveys across the city to identify more buildings that may pose a threat to citizens. “So far, 41 extremely dangerous buildings have been evacuated and sealed to ensure the safety of human lives.”

He said that in view of the expected rains, a rain emergency centre has been established at the SBCA, which works round the clock with technical staff on duty.

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2025