Authorities urged to stay alert, ensure public safety, and manage drainage ahead of heavy rain and strong winds
Rains in Karachi. Photo: APP (file)
Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah on Tuesday directed authorities across the province to remain on high alert and ensure pre-emptive arrangements to handle any emergency situation ahead of a rainy spell expected from tomorrow.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had predicted widespread rain and thunderstorms nationwide from March 24 to 30.
In Sindh, rain-wind and thunderstorm activity, with chances of isolated hailstorms, is likely in Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Dadu, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Larkana and Karachi on Wednesday and Thursday, and then Saturday and Sunday, with brief intervals.
According to a statement issued by the chief secretary’s spokesperson today, Shah chaired a high-level meeting attended by all commissioners, deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners, where contingency plans and preparedness measures were reviewed in detail.
“All commissioners, deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners must remain present in the field and continuously monitor the situation so that public issues can be resolved immediately,” it added, stressing that public facilitation and field presence should remain the top priority.
The chief secretary directed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to issue an advisory immediately and maintain effective coordination with all relevant departments. He also called for an effective public awareness campaign to inform citizens about the potential situation and necessary precautionary measures.
It further said district administrations and municipal bodies had been directed to remain fully mobilised and ensure uninterrupted public service delivery.
“Emphasising drainage management, Shah directed authorities to ensure the availability and operational readiness of all machinery to prevent urban flooding and water accumulation,” the statement said.
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During the meeting, relevant agencies were also instructed to take emergency measures to maintain traffic flow and minimise disruption for citizens. “Authorities were further directed to act against hazardous billboards and unsafe structures in view of expected rains and strong winds,” it added.
Subsequently, following the meeting, Sindh PDMA issued an alert for rain and strong winds across the province, urging authorities and the public to take precautionary measures.
PDMA Director General Salman Shah said several districts, including Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Dadu, Kashmore, Jacobabad and Larkana, could be affected by the weather system.
The authority directed its staff to remain on alert with necessary machinery in place to respond promptly to any emergency situation, warning that strong winds and possible hailstorms could damage weak structures and solar panels.
It added that standing crops in various areas may also be affected, while a drop in temperature is expected during the period.
PDMA further said that all deputy commissioners and relevant departments have been directed to remain on high alert.
The authority added that, on the instructions of Sindh Chief Minister’s Adviser on Rehabilitation Giyan Chand Essrani, advance arrangements have been ensured to deal with any emergency situation.
