PMD forecasts storm for Karachi, urban flooding likely

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more than 50 millimeters of rainfall for the port city accompanied with over 100 Kilometer/hour winds. The new weather system is expected to enter the country today and will gain strength on Wednesday.

According to PMD the monsoon weather system will be stronger this year and will affect both Sindh in and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the north and may cause flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad as well as other parts of Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where flash flooding is expected.

Warning of urban flooding in Karachi and Hyderabad DG PMD Dr. Ghulam Rasool said the 13th is going to be a crucial day for the two cities.

PMD has warned about possibility of floods in Swat, Dir, Shangla, Kaghan, and Naran while land sliding warnings have been issued for Azad Kashmir.

Rainfall has also been forecast for the Federal Capital over the next 5 days.

Urban Flooding

For the 6th most populated city of Karachi the existing infrastructure is constantly under pressure. While the city has two rivers, 28 major storm drains and approximately 500 smaller drains they are overflowing with garbage while the major storm drains have been encroached upon shrinking their width to as little as 10 feet in width.

The chief minister did sanction Rs 437 million to undertake the mammoth task of cleaning the major drains but due to lack of funding the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has only managed to conduct 6 out of the 28 major drains.

Funds were dispersed to the district administration and deputy commissioners responsible for the cleaning of smaller drains in their respective areas, while those responsible managed to spend the Rs. 180 million, the results have been found wanting.

Encroachments on all main storm drains and garbage heaps continue to block the smaller drains of the city. According to estimates there are over 28,000 shacks encroaching on the Gujjar Nala alone reducing its actual width from 200 feet to as little as 10 feet in certain areas.