• Met Office warns of intermittent rain, urban flooding in low-lying areas
• Efforts underway to improve drainage at 44 critical ‘choke points’ across Karachi, mayor tells meeting

KARACHI: In the wake of a forecast of rain in Karachi and other parts of the province, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has put all civil bodies, local governments, district administration and traffic police on high alert and directed them to strengthen coordination between the relevant departments and organisations.

He said this while chairing an emergency meeting to oversee preparations for the monsoon rains expected to impact Karachi and other parts of the province.

The meeting, held at CM House, was attended by Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Principal Secretary to the CM Agha Wasif, Secretary Finance Fayaz Jatoi, LG Secretary Waseem Shamshad, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi and others.

According to the Met department’s advisory, hot and humid weather is likely to persist on Tuesday (today), though there are chances of intermittent thunderstorm/rain with few moderate falls in the city. It has warned of urban flooding in low-lying areas.

The maximum temperature soared to 39 degrees Celsius in the city. Later, some area including Quaidabad, Malir, Surjani, Baldia Town and Gulshan-i-Maymar received light rain on Monday.

Against the backdrop of the rain forecast, the CM focused on ensuring the city’s infrastructure is ready to handle the anticipated downpour.

Mayor Wahab briefed the chief minister on ongoing efforts to improve drainage systems at 44 drains’ critical choking points across Karachi, with approximately 150 drains under the control of Towns undergoing cleaning to facilitate the smooth flow of rainwater.

He told the CM that, in addition to drainage improvements, 120 suction vehicles from the water board are strategically positioned in low-lying areas to clear any accumulated water quickly.

The KMC is also working closely with the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to secure additional machinery if needed, demonstrating a coordinated approach to disaster management, he noted.

The CM directed the LG minister and the city mayor to take all necessary steps to minimise disruption and ensure the safety of citizens.

Directing all relevant agencies to remain vigilant, the chief minister instructed LG bodies to maintain a fully mobilised presence during the rain spell.

He emphasised the importance of proactive measures by the city administration and urged the traffic police to ensure the smooth flow of traffic, even in the event of heavy downpours.

“The provincial government is fully prepared to manage the rains, but constant vigilance and rapid response from all departments are crucial.”

“Our priority is to protect our citizens and minimise any potential damage caused by the monsoon,” the chief minister said.

Residents are advised to stay informed about weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the anticipated rainfall. The Sindh government has established emergency contact points and is urging citizens to report any issues or concerns promptly.

While Karachi braces for potential challenges, the CM highlighted the positive impact of recent rainfall in the Tharparkar region.

“The heavy rainfall has replenished all local dams in Tharparkar, providing a vital source of water for the people,” he noted. “This will significantly benefit local communities, particularly in agriculture and daily life,” the CM concluded.

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2025