The Meteorological Department’s prediction about light to moderate rain did not come true as heavy showers pounded Karachi for hours yesterday, flooding roads and underpasses.
A day ago, the Met Office had predicted that the monsoon rain system had weakened and that it was likely that the metropolis would be provided with much-needed relief from the torrential rains.
In its new weather alert, the Met office redacted its earlier rain prediction that heavy showers in the city could last until 4pm, saying that now it would last till 11pm.
The Met Office said that the weakened system had merged with another system coming in from Baluchistan, gaining intensity and resulting in heavy rain pelting the city.
Rainwater inundated the KPT underpass that connects Do Talwar to Teen Talwar at Clifton, while the same situation was observed with the underpass near Punjab Colony.
In a video that went viral on social media, containers brought for security measures in Muharram could be seen swept away by rainwater.
Due to the situation at the two main underpasses, the flow of traffic came to a halt as traffic officials urged the masses to use alternate routes.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Zaidi took to Twitter to share a video clip in which cars were seen to be driving around in the city’s DHA Phase 6 area in high water.
According to weather experts, Karachi has been sandwiched between the systems generating rainy clouds, with humidity from the sea exacerbating the situation.
The dark clouds hovering above the city that are causing the showers are at a height of 35,000’-40,000’.
Normally, such clouds are at a height of 2,000’-3,000’.
Experts said that the high altitude of the clouds was the reason for the intensity of the rain.
Sindh Governor Imran Ismail tweeted yesterday that Prime Minister Imran Khan is monitoring the situation that has arisen in Karachi due to the torrential rains and has assured “to take any action required”.
“Briefed PM @ImranKhanPTI over Sindh rain situation, Karachi needs special attention. This is unusual and abnormal rain situation which requires emergency response.
“PM is monitoring the situation and assured to take any action required,” tweeted Ismail.
Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari reacted to the “super monsoon torrential rains”, urging people to keep those in their thoughts who were working 24/7 to assist citizens during the natural disaster.
“As of yesterday, Sindh had seen its worst monsoons in 90years. Today super monsoon torrential rains & floods continue unabated.
“Please keep all those in your thoughts who have already been working 24/7 to assist citizens during this record breaking unprecedented natural disaster,” he tweeted.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reacted to the situation, stating that the destruction in the city had been caused due to the torrential rain.
He directed authorities to help stranded people in Malir and other areas of the city.
Murad directed the Karachi commissioner to evacuate school buildings in Malir so that people in affected areas could be given shelter there till the rain situation improves.
He also issued directives for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to help people during the crisis.
Many areas of Karachi were experiencing power outages.
Power was suspended in several areas as a precautionary measure, Karachi Electric spokesperson said.
Additionally, Karachi Commissioner Mohamed Suhail Rajput urged people not to leave their homes.
A relief and rescue operation by the Sindh Rangers is underway.
The Rangers are also co-ordinating with NGOs to distribute ration packages in areas where food supply has been affected.
Rangers teams have been constituted to hasten the rescue operation.
Rangers have urged residents to call helpline 1101 or contact on 0347-9001111 via WhatsApp for assistance.
The recent monsoon spell has once again exposed the poor infrastructure in the metropolis where several areas have been submerged by rainwater, which is yet to be drained.
The flooding damaged vehicles and property and resulted in the deaths of a number of people.
The death toll from rain-related incidents on Tuesday reached 11, after rescue services recovered five more bodies on Wednesday.
People sit atop a bus roof while others wade through the flooded road in Karachi.
