Karachi experiences intermittent rainfall

KARACHI: Karachi experienced intermittent rainfall throughout Friday.

Heavy rainfall was reported from the Airport road area while other areas including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Malir, Sohrab Goth, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Saddar and Lyari reported moderate rainfall. 

Addressing a press conference late Friday evening, the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson Musadik Malik said the federal government is standing in solidarity with the Sindh and municipal government.

“The de-flooding process is under way in Karachi and we have dispatched teams to help people,” Malik said, adding that the Pakistan Navy Shipping Corporation (PNSC) has started a shuttle service for those stranded in different areas of the city due to the heavy showers that lashed the metropolis on Thursday and Friday.

Malik added that the PNSC’s crane service is actively working to remove cars and other heavy objects blocking roads.

“PNSC is making efforts to take food to the most affected areas including Korangi and surrounding vicinities,” he said, requesting the nation to remember those affected by the heavy showers in their prayers.

“Tomorrow, when you make arrangements for Eid, don’t forget to remember those affected by the natural disaster,” Malik said. 

In a statement released by the Pakistan Rangers Sindh, the paramilitary force expressed regret at both the loss of precious lives and monetary losses as a result of the heavy showers in Karachi.

“Pakistan Army soldiers and rescue teams are equipped to deal with any unforeseen situation,” the statement said.

Citizens can call or message on the Rangers Helpline (1101) or leave a WhatsApp message on 0316-2369996 in case of any emergency assistance required, the press release read.  

Meanwhile, the local administration along with assistance from the Army continued dewatering of areas that had been inundated by rainfall on Thursday. 

Mayor Karachi Waseem Akhtar, speaking to media from the metropolis' Sohrab Goth area, said the city's administration does not have adequate resources to deal with the current situation. 

"We are doing what is humanly possible," said the mayor. 

He added the situation would have been controlled if he had the resources available. 

Akhtar added that trenches dug to dispose of offals of sacrificial animals have filled up with water and efforts are underway to drain the ditches. 

"No, we can not handle it as there are not enough resources," Akhtar replied when asked if the situation can be handled if it rains on Saturday. 

On the direction of Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah, ministers Nasir Shah, Jam Khan Shoro, Mohammed Ali Malkani, Mukesh Chawla, Imdad Pitafi and Fayaz Butt were out on the streets reviewing the progress of cleaning and dewatering the city. 

City authorities and teams of Pakistan Army and Rangers remained busy dewatering inundated areas of the metropolis, as the heavy downpour lashed the city on Thursday, leaving at least 21 dead.