Karachi drenched by heavy rain; SBCA urges residents to vacate unsafe buildings

KARACHI: Heavy rainfall pounded several parts of Karachi on Sunday, affecting areas such as University Road, Bahria Town, Federal B Area, Ayesha Manzil, Chandrigar Road, Gulistan-e-Johar, Mehmoodabad, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Mardi Pur, Saddar, Metrowall, Gulbai, Liaquatabad, Shah Faisal Colony, Sharah-e-Faisal, North Nazimabad, Site Area, and Shah Shah. Additionally, Lyari, Landhi, Malir, and the airport vicinity have seen light rain since morning.

Meanwhile, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has directed residents to vacate unsafe buildings in Karachi.

Concurrently, the Sindh government has established an emergency agricultural response unit to aid farmers during the rainy season. All officers and staff of the agriculture department have been put on alert to provide assistance and guidance to farmers during the rainfall. Field assistants will conduct household visits to educate farmers on safety measures.

The agriculture department secretary stressed that the rapid response unit is committed to supporting farmers and disseminating information during the rainy season. Furthermore, departmental officers are available to assist farmers.

Read more: Seven die in lightning strikes, roof collapse in Balochistan

Residents are cautioned to use electrical appliances safely during rainfall. A spokesperson for the power company affirmed that Karachi’s electricity supply is stable, with response teams prepared for emergencies. Nevertheless, improper appliance use during rain can result in accidents.

Safety precautions include maintaining distance from damaged power lines and avoiding unauthorized connections. In areas prone to waterlogging, temporary power outages may occur. Monitoring of the electrical situation is ongoing, with field staff on high alert.

The Meteorological Department forecasts strong winds and rain in Karachi, Sukkur, Larkana, and other parts of Sindh today and tomorrow, owing to a western weather system. Various areas in Sindh may experience moderate to heavy rainfall.

Meanwhile, northeastern Balochistan is also beginning to feel the impact of this weather system.