The monsoon season unleashed a heavy spell of rainfall across Karachi Monday night, with several areas being lashed by torrential showers accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms.

The affected neighbourhoods include Scheme 33, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Malir, Shah Latif Town, Gulistan-e-Maymar, Saddar, Tariq Road, Mahmoodabad, North Karachi, Federal B Area, Clifton, and many others.

The weather has taken a chilly turn in the city due to the intense monsoon activity, with the showers and gusts of wind creating a marked drop in temperatures. Residents have been advised to exercise caution and take necessary precautions during this period of inclement weather.

Earlier in the day, the Pakistan Meteorological Department stated that monsoon winds are expected to intensify in Sindh under the influence of the system.

From Monday night until August 31, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms in Sindh. During August 26 to 29, other districts of Sindh may also experience heavy rainfall with strong winds and thunderstorms.

The Kirthar range and mountainous areas of Balochistan are also expected to receive heavy downpours.

The heavy monsoon rainfall is likely to inundate the low-lying areas of Sindh, and the sea is expected to experience high tides during this period. Therefore, the fishermen have been advised to be cautious and avoid venturing into the sea.

Emergency declared in Karachi

In view of the forecast for heavy rainfall in Karachi, an emergency has been declared, and all the staff of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation had their leaves cancelled.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has directed the municipal services to remain on high alert.

The meteorological department has advised the fishermen in Sindh and Balochistan to refrain from going into the sea from August 27 to 30.

The monsoon rains will continue in Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan until August 29. The Met Office has stated that the powerful monsoon system will also enter Punjab.

Urban flooding risk

According to the authorities, there is a risk of urban flooding in Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, and Gujranwala. The administrations of the major cities have also been put on high alert.

There is a risk of flash flooding in the Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, and Bahawalpur divisions, while the heavy rains also pose the threat of flood surges.

Heavy downpours are expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Larkana, and Mirpurkhas. Intense rainfall is also likely in Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar, Ghotki, Sukkur, Naushahro Feroze, and Khairpur over the next three days, which could potentially lead to a flood-like situation in these cities.

Rain in other parts

According to the PMD, various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also expected to receive rainfall on Monday. Precipitation is forecasted for Chitral, Dir, Swat, Kohistan, Shangla, and Battagram, as well as Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Buner, Malakand, and Bajaur.

Furthermore, rain is also predicted for Mohmand, Khyber, Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, and Charsadda. Isolated areas in Kohat, Orakzai, Hangu, and Kurram may also experience thundershowers.

In the last 24 hours, 4mm of rainfall was recorded in Chitral, 2mm in Dir, and 1mm in Kalam while the temperature in Peshawar was recorded at 38 degrees Celsius.

According to the PMD, a strong low-pressure system is expected to enter the eastern and southern parts of Balochistan, which may last for four days.

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Due to the low-pressure system, strong winds and rainfall are expected in the districts of Awaran, Lasbela, Hub, Khuzdar, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Loralai, Barkhan, Musa Khel, Harnai, Kachhi, Ziarat, Jhal Magsi, and Nasirabad in Balochistan, which may lead to the risk of floods in the low-lying areas.

Repair work on the link roads is ongoing in Sabi, Sohbatpur, Jaffarabad, Usta Muhammad, and the surrounding areas.

The Meteorological Department has maintained the alert for further rainfall in southern and eastern Balochistan and has instructed the relevant authorities to take necessary measures.

23 people died in rain-related incidents since July 1

According to PDMA, due to the monsoon rains since July 1, so far, 23 people, including 12 children, have died, and 13 people, including 11 children, have been injured due to the floods and debris.

The rains have damaged 784 houses, 158 of which were destroyed, and 626 suffered partial damage. 5,465 people have been affected by the rains.

The heavy rains have destroyed 102 acres of crops, damaged 35 kilometres of roads, and one health centre, and also caused damage to 7 bridges. During the rains, 131 livestock animals were killed.