The violent weather has returned to Pakistan’s largest city Karachi and the authorities are expecting another bout of intense rainfall later today. The city has been receiving heavy rains for the last few weeks and today might turn out to be another test for the city. In response to such disasters, the Sindh government has taken significant infection control measures to minimize the impacts of such disasters and safeguard its people.
The Forecast: More Rain on the Horizon
Karachi will see a heavy shower today as predicted by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), which said that some parts of the city will get heavy rains. This comes after citizens have been subjected to a long rainy season, which has caused massive flooding of the city, power blackouts, and most painfully, traffic jams. The PMD had sounded a note of caution over the risk of flash floods, especially in areas that are prone to flooding in the city advising people to stay at home and refrain from going out.
Sindh Government’s Emergency Measures
Based on the given forecast, the Sindh government has mobilized its rapid response groups and implemented several preventive measures. There are PDMA personnel stationed all over Karachi to stay vigilant as well as in conjunction with the local government if the response is required instantly.
The Sindh Chief Minister Mr. Syed Murad Ali Shah has also held meetings with the officials of KMC and KWSB along with other departments to look into the preparedness. He stressed the need for free flow of drainages especially in the flood-affected areas so that water should not back up and cause more harm.
Challenges Ahead
However, due to the reasons mentioned, Karachi’s infrastructure is still on the verge of destructing due to heavy rains. The drainage network which has been regarded as dilapidated most times gets blocked during these monsoon periods. This coupled with the bad state of roads and constructions taking place throughout the country, especially in various regions of the city put the country at more risk of flood incidences and traffic jams.
In recent days, many sectors of Karachi have already suffered massive water logging which included submerging of vehicles and pedestrians hardly able to wade through the flooded streets. This has been worst in areas such as Korangi, North Karachi, and Clifton because drainage systems have been overwhelmed by the flood surge of rainwater.
These problems have been recognized by the Sindh government, and for years, they have been at the forefront of finding sustainable solutions to enhance the different infrastructural facilities of this city. However, the primary concern here is to deal with the present situation and closely monitor the current situation so that should the rains start as forecasted they do not cause the same rates as what had happened in the previous weeks.
The Protocol for Public Cooperation and Safety
Officials have called on the public to respond to emergency services calls and ensure they comply with measures put in place by the government in case of rain. Citizens are urged not to cycle or drive through waterlogged regions not to switch on appliances that might have come in contact with water and to keep a record of important numbers.
Furthermore, the government of Sindh has put up some emergency centers in the Site’s different areas where people could take refuge in case their houses got flooded. Some among them include; The available food, water, and medical supplies that have been packed at these shelters to cater for families that have been displaced.
Final Verdict
Since Karachi is set to get another round of heavy rain the efforts being made by the Sindh government will go a long way in reducing the effect on this city. Therefore, it can be said that the authorities along with public cooperation can try to manage this situation although Karachi has severe infrastructural problems.
