Karachi receives rain as new weather system enters city

KARACHI: A new weather system has entered Karachi, triggering intermittent rainfall across several parts of the city and bringing relief from the heat.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, areas including Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Bhains Colony, Raziqabad, Steel Town and parts of Malir received rain on Tuesday, making the weather pleasant. Light rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is also expected in parts of the city today.

Meanwhile, Hyderabad received rain accompanied by strong winds, improving the weather but disrupting the power supply in several areas.

According to a spokesperson for the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO), electricity supply has been restored through 99 feeders, while more than 70 feeders remain suspended.

The spokesperson said several feeders had been shut down as a precautionary safety measure.

Heavy rain accompanied by strong winds was also reported in Sujawal, bringing relief from the heat and making the weather pleasant. However, reports of power outages have also emerged from several areas following the rainfall.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood alert for several parts of the country following the forecast of heavy rainfall over the next two days.

According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre, anticipated rains in upper catchment areas could significantly increase water levels in rivers and local nullahs.

Flash flooding risks have been identified for key districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza and Skardu.

There is also a risk of flooding in the Upper Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Malakand, Kurram, Kohistan, Mohmand, and Orakzai areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In Punjab, urban flooding is expected to affect areas of Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Sheikhupura.

Zhob, Sherani and Musakhel in Balochistan also face potential flood threats.

Citizens are advised to avoid crossing flooded roads, low-lying bridges, and raging water channels during intense spells.

For real-time weather updates and disaster advisories, the public can access the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application, or dial the emergency helpline 911 for immediate assistance.