Karachi receives moderate rain, power outages reported from many areas

KARACHI: A moderate rain spell in Karachi resulted in power outages in many areas of the city on Tuesday

Residents of Federal B Area, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Saddar, and Lyari reported prolonged power outages.

K-Electric, however, refuted reports that 70 of its feeders tripped after Karachi received showers throughout the day [Tuesday]. 

"Over 1600 of our feeders continue to provide electricity to Karachi," a K-Electric spokesperson said.  

The city's electric utility requested citizens to take safety precautions and stay at a safe distance from electric poles and transformers.  

As forecast, the metropolis began receiving rain on Tuesday with reports of light to heavy showers in Defence, New Karachi, Super Highway, Federal B Area, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal and University Road, among other areas. 

Earlier today, the Sindh government directed relevant authorities to ensure preparations are in place in light of heavy rain predictions in the province.

Met authorities had predicted heavy rain in the province from today till September 2.

Departments concerned have been directed to make preparations for any emergency situation in case of flooding.

Rain-thunderstorm to hit Karachi, other areas this week: PMD

Weather system in north-eastern India expected to reach Pakistan's coastal areas from Tuesday, Wednesday

The government has directed the municipal and relevant authorities to ensure the cleaning and drainage of the sewage system.

Fishermen have also been asked to refrain from going to the seas until September 2.

Earlier, as the temperature in Karachi soared to 40°C, with actual feel of 43°C, on Tuesday, light rain was reported in certain areas of Defence and at the cattle market on Super Highway. 

Heavy rain brings floods, traffic snarls to Mumbai

The harsh weather prompted many schools to send children home early, although others were on holiday for the festival

Pakistan Meteorological Director Abdul Rasheed, talking to Geo News on Monday, said that Karachi, Hyderabad, Badin, Tharparkar, Mithi and other areas of Sindh are expected to receive heavy rains as a storm system, present in north-eastern India, reaches here today.

Rasheed said there is no threat of a hurricane but flash flooding fears exist as the drains of the metropolis are not properly cleaned and get clogged easily.

The provincial capital, Karachi, has been seeing intermittent rain spells over the past week, claiming over five lives and causing severe drainage and electricity issues.