KARACHI: As the first monsoon showers occurred in Karachi, the Sindh government said that the Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) failed to predict today’s rain in the metropolis.
In a statement, Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said in principle, the Met Department must inform provincial governments and relevant agencies about the rains.
Meanwhile, the provincial minister directed the local bodies department to mobilize in view of the inclement weather. He also ordered the KWSB, DMCs and KMC to ensure timely drainage of rainwater from the city’s roads and low-lying areas.
He said choking points should be cleared on a priority basis. Shah issued orders to closely monitor slums, dilapidated buildings and floods in nullahs “District administrations should visit their areas for timely assistance to the people, he added.
‘First monsoon rain’
Many parts of the country including Karachi received its first monsoon shower on Monday after a hot spell as the weather turned pleasant. Many parts of the city experienced moderate to heavy rainfall.
There was heavy downpours in many areas including Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Malir, SITE Area, Nazimabad, Sohrab Goth, Gulzar-e-Hijri, Superhighway, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Korangi and other areas.
The power supply was disrupted in many parts of the city and people commuting to offices and schools faced immense problems. K-Electric (KE) said it was monitoring the situation.
Other areas including Landhi, I.I. Chundrigar Road and its surrounding areas, Steel Town, Yaseenabad, Saddar, Numaish, Old City Area, Gadap, and University Road also reported heavy showers.
The Met Office had forecast first spell of monsoon rain from July 15 with moderate rainfall in the city. The monsoon season from July to September will see an increase in rainfall in south and north Punjab and Sindh.
