KARACHI: Several areas of Karachi experienced fresh monsoon showers on Thursday evening due to the current weather system over the north Arabian Sea, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported.
Rainfall Across Multiple Areas
The PMD confirmed moderate to heavy rainfall in different parts of the city, including:
- Dalmia Road
- Drigh Road
- Gulshan-e-Iqbal
- Gulshan-e-Maymar
- Gulistan-e-Johar
- MA Jinnah Road
- Orangi Town
- Hawksbay
- Mubarak Village
Unfortunately, the recent torrential rains have claimed at least 17 lives in Karachi over the past two days. According to reports, these deaths were caused by drowning, road accidents, and electrocution.
PMD Forecast: Rain Likely to Continue
The PMD stated that the ongoing monsoon activity will continue as the weather system remains active over the Arabian Sea. However, the current system is expected to weaken by late Thursday night.
The Met Office further revealed that a new monsoon spell is expected to enter Sindh from August 27, bringing additional rains to Karachi and surrounding areas until August 30.
Rising Death Toll from Monsoon Rains
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), more than 700 people have lost their lives nationwide since the start of the monsoon season in late June.
CM Murad Ali Shah Apologizes to Citizens
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, speaking on Geo News, apologized to Karachi residents who faced difficulties during Tuesday’s heavy rainfall.
“During such intense rain, urban flooding is unavoidable. Karachi flooded, and I sincerely apologize to the people. But you cannot just press a button and drain all the water instantly,” he said.
The CM explained that he had instructed the Commissioner to advise citizens to stay indoors when the rain intensified. However, the message did not reach everyone, and many people still went outside, causing severe road congestion.
‘Disaster Management Takes Time’
Murad Ali Shah defended the government’s response, saying that draining water within five to six hours proved that efforts were made effectively.
“Disaster management is about handling the situation — you cannot fight nature. If no work was done, how was the water cleared so quickly? It takes time, and patience is required,” he stated.
He admitted that a mistake was made by not restricting people from going out on major roads during the downpour. “We should have closed certain roads, but we will improve our response in the future,” he added.
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