The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued the risk of urban flooding in Karachi and other parts of Sindh amid fresh monsoon spell.According to the Met Office, a low-pressure system originating from India has intensified and transformed into a depression, triggering heavy rainfall in Karachi and other parts of Sindh.The meteorologists forecast that from September 11, districts including Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Khairpur, Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, and Matiari are likely to experience strong winds and intermittent heavy showers.

Rainfall is also expected in Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Jamshoro, Shikarpur, Kashmore, Sukkur, Jacobabad, and Ghotki, the PMD added. The weather experts warned that due to the ongoing rains, low-lying areas in Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, and Hyderabad may face water accumulation.

There is also a significant risk of urban flooding in Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tharparkar, Khairpur, Sukkur, and Larkana.Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said that the provincial government is preparing for potential floods with contingency planning based on water flows of up to 800,000 cusecs. Addressing a press conference at the Flood Monitoring Cell in Karachi on Sunday, Shah said that the ongoing monsoon rains have triggered flood-like conditions in several areas.

“A flood surge of up to 700,000 cusecs is expected at Panjnad, while 217,000 cusecs of water is anticipated to enter the Indus River from Taunsa,” he said. He added that the peak water level at Guddu Barrage is expected on September 9, and the province is preparing accordingly. Also Read: Sindh preparing to tackle 800,000 cusecs flood water: Murad Ali Shah “Many residents of the affected districts have already evacuated, and we are ensuring full relief efforts for flood victims,” he said.

He added that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and President Asif Ali Zardari are constantly monitoring the flood situation. Talking about the monsoon, the CM said that heavy rains are forecasted for Karachi and other parts of Sindh. “Karachi has already received more rainfall than expected this year. We are fully prepared for more rain, and all departments and ministers are active,” Shah assured.India on Sunday informed Pakistan about high-level flooding in the Sutlej River after releasing more water in the river.

India established diplomatic contact with Pakistan, informing it about the situation. The communique warned of high flood at Harike and Ferozepur. The Ministry of Water Resources, in the meanwhile, issued a warning letter to the relevant authorities, notifying 28 departments about the potential flood situation. Earlier, the PDMA (Provincial Disaster Management Authority) expressed concern that with a new spell of rain, India could discharge more water in rivers.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)