KARACHI: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday informed that monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are likely to enter Sindh from 2nd to 5th July and cause widespread rains, windstorm, and thunder showers with a few heavy or very heavy falls across Sindh.
According to PMD information, the widespread rains, windstorm, and thunder showers are expected to lash Tharparker, Umerkot, Sanghar, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Hyderabad, Tando M Khan, Tando Allayar, Dadu, Jamshoro Distts and Karachi Division, whereas scattered rain-windstorm and thunder showers with isolated heavy falls at few places are also expected in Nawabshah, Naushehro Feroz, Khairpur, Larkana, Qambar Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Ghotki, Kashmore Districts during same period
Heavy rains may trigger urban flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot and Dadu districts. Rains will prove beneficial for rice crop growing. Water stress is likely to ease. Windstorm may damage the loose and vulnerable structures including sign boards, trees etc. Sea conditions may become rough or very rough during 3rd to 5th July. Fishermen have been advised to take extra care during the period.
Keeping in view above, it is recommended that relevant deputy commissioners, chairmen DDMAs and other relevant authorities and stakeholders may take all necessary mitigation measures including ensure availability of dewatering machines and the staff during rainfall; improving coordination with emergency services, also with various line departments; establishment of Helpline Cell number to address needs of affected people at priority basis.
The officials have also been advised to ensure provision of water and necessary emergency medicines to the general public during emergency, stock necessary emergency relief goods and medicines, especially in affected areas, ensure availability of uninterrupted power supply through intimate coordination with concerned line departments and provision of standby generators for hospitals.
They have also been directed to ensure emergency services and ambulances with trained paramedics to remain available round the clock besides providing emergency services and fire brigades to remain alert for possible fire incidents and taking preventive measures against fires due to electrification, where possible.
It was also urged to coordinate with concerned departments (NHA, NH and MP and FWO) for issuing necessary alerts to travelers, especially over long distances to take precaution and avoid over exposure to rainfall.
The general public has been advised to wear protective clothing and seek indoor shelter; stay away from windows and doors during heavy rain and strong winds; avoid roadway underpasses, drainage ditches, low-lying areas and areas where water accumilates there can be unexpectedly flood or overflow; avoid driving in heavy rain due to poor visibility while travelers and tourists were advised to remain extra cautious during the forecast period.