- Karachi experiences light to heavy monsoon rains, providing relief from the recent heatwave.
- Heavy showers hit areas including Gadap, Orangi Town, and North Karachi, causing traffic disruptions.
- The Chief Minister of Sindh directs immediate action for drainage and traffic management amid more rain forecasts.
Monsoon rains brought much-needed relief to Karachi after a spell of sweltering heat, turning the weather pleasant on Tuesday night. The city experienced sporadic showers accompanied by lightning and thunder, with areas such as Gadap, Orangi Town, Surjani Town, and North Karachi receiving heavy rainfall. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded 42.4mm of rain in Gadap, while Orangi Town, Surjani Town, and North Karachi saw 29.4mm, 24.1mm, and 24mm of rainfall, respectively.
Other areas, including II Chundrigar Road, Saddar, Shahrea Faisal, Old City Area, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Tariq Road, Malir, Korangi, Quaidabad, and Scheme 33, also received rain, although to a lesser extent. The intermittent showers are expected to continue, with predictions of more downpours on Wednesday across the port city.
The heavy rains led to flooded streets and arterial roads, causing significant traffic disruptions. Karachi Traffic Police have advised citizens to take precautions while driving and avoid unnecessary travel during the rainfalls. In response to the weather conditions, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has issued directives for immediate arrangements to drain rainwater from affected areas. Government officers and relevant staff have been instructed to remain in the field until the complete drainage of water from their designated locations.
Additionally, the Chief Minister directed Karachi Traffic Police to implement measures to prevent traffic disruptions due to the rains. According to the PMD forecast, the prevailing low-pressure system could bring moderate to heavy showers to Karachi until Thursday, August 1. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) also issued an advisory, highlighting the likelihood of monsoon currents from the Bay of Bengal penetrating central and southern parts of the country from July 27 until August 3.
As monsoon rains continue to affect various parts of the country, the NDMA has warned of potential urban flooding in Karachi and other cities, urging residents to stay cautious and prepared.