The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh on Thursday issued a province-wide alert in view of forecast monsoon rains and strong winds, directing all district administrations, relevant departments and emergency response agencies to remain on high alert and ensure precautionary measures.
According to Director General PDMA Sindh Syed Salman Shah, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast widespread rain accompanied by thunderstorms across various parts of Sindh from July 23 to July 25 due to strong monsoon currents penetrating from the Arabian Sea.
He said heavy rainfall was expected at isolated places in Hyderabad, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Jamshoro and Shaheed Benazirabad. Shah further said that light to moderate rain had been forecasted for Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur and Khairpur, while Larkana, Naushahro Feroze and Thatta werr likely to receive rain accompanied by thunderstorms today and tomorrow.
He warned that strong winds and lightning could damage vulnerable structures, electricity poles, solar panels and billboards, therefore, all relevant authorities had been instructed to adopt precautionary measures and remain fully prepared to respond to any emergency.
He added the PDMA had activated its monsoon preparedness plan and kept dewatering pumps and other essential machinery ready for deployment. Low-lying areas vulnerable to urban and flash flooding had also been identified to ensure a swift response.
“If any untoward situation arises in any area, dewatering machinery will be immediately shifted to the affected locations,” he said. The DG PDMA also urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather, stay away from electricity poles and unsafe structures, and follow official safety advisories.