PDMA urges authorities in Sindh to stay alert amid rain, thunderstorm forecast

• Monsoon low moves into South Chhattisgarh, adjoining areas: PMD.
• Karachi braces for rain and thunderstorms from September 14.
• CM’s adviser Essrani directs officials to keep machinery ready.

KARACHI: The Sindh Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued an advisory as rain and thunderstorms are expected in several districts of the province from September 13 to 16.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said the monsoon low formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining Odisha coast had moved into South Chhattisgarh and adjoining areas.

The weather system is likely to move westward, bringing rain and thunderstorms to parts of Sindh during the period, the Met Office said.

The PMD has forecast light rain and thunderstorms in Karachi from September 14 to 16, while several other parts of Sindh may receive dust-thunderstorm rain.

The weather department has also warned that some districts could see moderate to isolated heavy falls, accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms.

Under the system’s influence, dust-thunderstorm rain with a few moderate to isolated heavy falls is expected in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal and Tando Muhammad Khan from Sunday evening to September 16, with occasional gaps.

Light to moderate dust-thunderstorm rain is also likely in Sanghar, Khairpur, Hyderabad, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Shaheed Benazirabad and Jamshoro from September 14 to 16, with intermittent breaks.

Karachi Division may also experience thunderstorms and light rain during the same period, according to the PDMA advisory.

Adviser to the Sindh Chief Minister on Rehabilitation Giyanchand Essrani said different parts of the province were likely to receive rain from September 13 to 16.

He directed all deputy commissioners and relevant departments to keep machinery and staff ready to deal with any situation arising from the weather conditions.

The adviser also directed the PDMA and Sindh Emergency Rescue Service 1122 to remain on high alert during the period.

The PDMA also asked deputy commissioners, District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) chairpersons and other relevant authorities and stakeholders to take necessary mitigation measures.

It also urged all concerned authorities to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to prevent any untoward situation during the spell.