Karachi Faces Traffic Disruptions as Monsoon Rains Hit the City
- Karachi experiences traffic issues due to heavy monsoon rains.
- PMD forecasts ongoing heavy showers and thunderstorms.
- Sindh Chief Minister issues directives for rainwater drainage.
Karachi was hit by a fresh spell of monsoon rains on Sunday night, leading to significant traffic disruptions across the city. Areas such as Nazimabad, Orangi Town, Federal B Area, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, and Malir received heavy to moderate showers, as forecasted by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Additionally, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Shah Faisal, and areas near Jinnah International Airport saw intermittent rainfall.
The heavy rains caused traffic jams on several key roads, complicating commutes for many residents. The PMD had predicted thunderstorms and heavy downpours for the city, with morning humidity levels reaching 85%. Rain is expected to continue through the night and into August 7.
In response to the situation, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah convened a meeting to assess the impact of the rains. The Chief Minister’s Office warned that some low-lying areas might face flooding. Instructions were given to ensure the availability of dewatering machinery to manage the rainwater. The Sindh Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has already provided equipment to city officials for this purpose.
Looking ahead, the PMD also forecasts light to moderate thunderstorms and rain in several other districts, including Tando Muhammad Khan, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Badin, Thatta, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, and parts of Shaheed Benazirabad due to a westerly wave.