Heavy rain likely to hit Karachi over weekend, says PMD

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department's (PMD) Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz has warned Karachiites of heavy rain over the weekend which may cause urban flooding in the port city's slum areas.

As the Met Office announced the onset of monsoon winds in Sindh on Friday, Sarfaraz stated that these winds may "affect the city (Karachi) from tomorrow".

According to PMD, the monsoon spell in the country is expected to persist until August 25 with Karachi, Ghotki, Mirpurkhas, Umarkot, Sanghar, Thatta and Sukkur, and other cities of Sindh forecasted to experience rainfall with thunder until August 19.

Meanwhile, the PMD's forecast also shows that Gujranwala, Hafizabad and Chiniot, may be hit with heavy rain, under which the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned major cities of Punjab regarding urban flooding.

NDMA takes swift action on PM's directives

Meanwhile, the NDMA has taken prompt action after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the authority to ensure the safety of tourists and locals in flood-affected areas.

In its report to the premier, it mentioned placing urgent measures to safeguard foreign tourists in flash flood-hit Gilgit-Baltistan and confirmed the safety of two Italians and one Argentinian tourist in the region.

According to the report, the tourists in GB's Astore area are currently at a secure location and away from the affected area.

Additionally, efforts to restore the Feena Bridge, which sustained significant damage due to the floods, are currently underway.

The PM said it must be ensured that tourists and local people do not face any kind of problem.

Earlier, he issued instructions to the NDMA, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in the provinces and other concerned agencies to be on high alert during the new monsoon spell.

The premier said he will be monitoring the expected severe monsoon spell from the dashboard till August 25 and emphasised that the evacuation of people in emergency situation, preparation of drainage must be ensured.