Heavy rain was reported in many parts of Karachi as a new monsoon spell kicked in Sindh’s metropolitan capital on Sunday. Strong monsoon currents will prevail till July 26 or 27, the Met Office said.

Meanwhile, Sindh government spokesperson Murtaza Wahab said in a tweet that Monday, July 25, would be a public holiday in Karachi and Hyderabad Divisions, after relentless rain continued on Sunday, causing urban flooding and suspension of power in many areas.

“Due to heavy rainfall, which is expected to continue even tomorrow, #SindhGovt has decided to declare Monday, the 25th of July, as a public holiday in Karachi & Hyderabad Divisions. Notification in this regard is being issued,” tweeted Wahab, who is also the Karachi administrator.

“You can expect 150mm to 170mm rainfall in Karachi in the three days of persistent rain spell,” Sardar Safraz, chief meteorologist, told Aaj News. “It can shoot past 20mm in some cities, which may increase chances of urban flooding and standing water in low-lying areas.”

The Met Office said on Saturday that such currents started penetrating into eastern Sindh. “Widespread rain and thunderstorms with scattered heavy falls [extremely heavy at times in lower and western Sindh] are likely in many parts of Sindh from today [Saturday].”

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that heavy rainfall may generate urban flooding or water-logging in low-lying areas.

Total rainfall (mm) recorded in Karachi on July 24 at 8am by PMD

Situation under control: Wahab

Karachi Administrator Murtaza Wahab said that it has been raining constantly in Karachi since early morning, however, the situation so far has been under control.

“All main roads and underpasses remain clear for traffic. Water piled up on the side of the roads will be brushed out,” he said in a tweet.

The district police west in a statement said that it was ready to assist people and timely response the relief calls.

All relevant authorities and stakeholders are recommended to take all necessary mitigation measures in view of the weather alert, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority said.

It directed the authorities to ensure an early warning mechanism for evacuation of vulnerable populations in areas in case of flash flooding. Ensure availability of dewatering machines and the staff during rainfall, it added.

The PDMA urged the people to move to safe places in case of any risk of flash flooding and monitor the weather update. Stay away from windows and doors during heavy rain and strong winds, it added.

Sindh districts where rain is expected

Tharparker, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Tando M Khan, Tando Allayar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Sanghar, Nawabshah, Khairpur, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Dadu, Jamshoro, Shikarpur, Qambar Shahdadkot, Ghotki and Kashmore.

Possible impacts

• Strong winds may damage vulnerable and loose structures
• Persistent heavy spell over Khuzdar, Lasbella, Hub and along Kirthar Range may create pressure on Hub Dam and flash flooding in Dadu and Jamshoro districts and downstream.