Sindh PDMA Director General Salman Shah warned officials to prepare. Karachi will get over 100% more rains in July and August. Shah alerted Karachi Commissioner and agencies.
A meeting took place under the Karachi Commissioner. PDMA DG Shah warned all departments. “100% more rains expected,” said Shah. “Karachi has 198 slope areas. 29 areas are sensitive,” said PDMA.
The Karachi Commissioner ordered emergency plans. “Prepare for heavy rains,” he instructed. KMC, KDA, and others must act now. If not ready, Karachi will suffer greatly.
In August 2020, Karachi had record rains. Between August 24 and 27, the city got 230 mm in one day. The National Disaster Management Authority reported 184 deaths nationwide. Sindh had 80 deaths. Karachi alone had 47 deaths.
Many drowned, got electrocuted, or died from roof collapses. Karachi had 604 mm of rain in August 2020. This was the rainiest August in 89 years.
Monsoon rains in Karachi usually occur from June to September. Annual average rainfall for Karachi is 174.6 mm (1981-2010). In 1967, the highest annual rainfall was 713 mm. The highest single-day rainfall was on August 27, 2020, with 230 mm.
A survey report showed that flooding in Karachi results from climate change. Illegal settlements on nullahs also contribute. Karachi has faced infrastructure neglect for years.
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