Karachi weather forecast: Heavy rain brings relief
The Met Office forecast widespread rainfall and thundershowers in Azad Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad, with isolated heavy rainfall expected in some areas, and the Water levels in dams and underground reservoirs, including Rawal and Khanpur, have improved, providing relief to the affected areas.
Heavy rain brought relief from the intense heat in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, breaking the humidity and exceeding 82mm in the twin cities, with Saidpur village receiving the highest amount, while the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicted rainfall and thunderstorms across the country, including Karachi.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) declared a rain emergency and deployed teams to drain water from low-lying areas, as Nullah Leh's water level rose to 12 feet, but receded quickly after the rain stopped. WASA Managing Director Muhammad Saleem Ashraf visited Gawalmandi Bridge to assess the situation and stated that timely cleaning efforts and the enforcement of a rain emergency have helped mitigate the crisis.
Pakistan's National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued impact-based alerts for widespread monsoon rainfall and potential flooding across several regions of the country from June 26 to 28, including major parts of Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Urban flooding is likely in several cities, including Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi, with threats of waterlogging, infrastructure damage, and road blockages.
At least seven people were killed and 39 others injured in multiple rain-related incidents across Punjab on June 26, as the province was battered by heavy monsoon showers. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Rescue 1122 reported the incidents, which included roof collapses, drowning, and electrocution.
The Punjab government intensified its preparations for the monsoon season, which is expected to receive 25% more rainfall this year, and citizens in low-lying areas are advised to remain cautious, as the NDMA has directed provincial and district disaster management bodies to take preventive measures to mitigate the crisis.