NDMA warns of urban flooding risk in Karachi, Hyderabad

KARACHI: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned authorities concerned of urban flooding in Sindh, including Karachi and Hyderabad, ahead of expected heavy rains and thunderstorms.

In a statement, NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center said that scattered rainfall, windstorms, and thunderstorms were expected across various regions of the Sindh province, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Umerkot, Badin, Mithi, Tharparkar, and adjacent areas within the next 12 to 24 hours.

“Likely impacts may include localised urban flooding/overflows of Nullas in parts of Sindh, including Karachi and Hyderabad,” the NDMA said. The disaster management authority advised PDMAs and the local administration to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate measures to safeguard the population at risk.

It also advised people dwelling in low-laying areas to “take extra caution and undertake emergency preparation given potential urban flooding”. It advised communities at risk to follow instructions from local authorities.

The warning comes as the Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) said forecasted rain with thunderstorm in the city.

It said an ongoing monsoon activity is likely to affect the weather in the coming days. “Met Office informed that more monsoon currents are likely to penetrate from the Arabian Sea in upper parts of the country from 10th July,” the weather update added.