Sindh braces for heavy rains as PDMA activates emergency arrangements

WEB DESK: Sindh has been placed on alert as the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) activated emergency arrangements ahead of forecast thunderstorms and rainfall across the province until July 25.

The PDMA has issued a weather advisory for 23 districts, warning of rain with thunderstorms in several areas, including Hyderabad, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Larkana, and Khairpur.

The authority also forecast thunderstorms in Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Jamshoro, and Shaheed Benazirabad, while light rain is expected in Ghotki, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, Sukkur, Larkana, and Thatta.

PDMA Sindh Director General Salman Shah said strong winds and lightning could pose risks to weak structures, directing district administrations and relevant departments, particularly in Karachi, to remain alert.

He said dewatering pumps and emergency response vehicles have been prepared to deal with any rain-related emergencies, adding that low-lying areas have already been identified for swift action in case of urban flooding.

The DG said 10 dewatering vehicles have been prepared for Karachi, while Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas will have 25 vehicles each. Another 15 vehicles each have been allocated for Sukkur and Larkana.

He added that dewatering vehicles in Karachi will be deployed at different locations for immediate response, with technical teams accompanying the operations.

Salman Shah said the PDMA control room is operational 24 hours a day to monitor the situation, while coordination with district administrations and relevant departments is being maintained to ensure timely response during the monsoon spell.