Sindh places districts on high alert ahead of heavy monsoon spell

KARACHI: The Sindh government has placed district administrations across the province on high alert as strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea continue to influence weather conditions, according to a Provincial Disaster Management Authority advisory issued on the directions of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.

The advisory, based on forecasts from the Pakistan Meteorological Department, said strong monsoon currents entering the country along with a western weather system affecting upper and central parts were likely to bring widespread rain, thunderstorms and isolated heavy downpours in several districts of Sindh.

The chief minister directed deputy commissioners, district administrations, municipal authorities, irrigation officials, health services, rescue agencies and local government institutions to remain fully alert. He asked them to keep emergency response teams prepared, maintain drainage systems and take all necessary steps to safeguard lives and property.

Murad Ali Shah also instructed divisional commissioners and local bodies to keep close watch on low-lying localities, urban centres and other vulnerable areas. He ordered them to ensure the availability of rescue equipment and maintain uninterrupted coordination among all departments during the forecast period.

Emergency arrangements stepped up

Acting on the chief minister’s instructions, PDMA Sindh said it had strengthened emergency preparedness measures and ensured the availability of machinery, equipment and manpower for rapid response operations.

According to the authority, the required machinery and workforce have been deployed and made available at humanitarian response facilities and emergency centres in Karachi, Jamshoro and Sukkur so that any rain-related emergency can be handled promptly.

The chief minister said protection of human life, livestock, public infrastructure and essential services must remain the top priority. He directed district administrations to ensure an immediate response to any emergency caused by heavy rainfall, urban flooding, strong winds or lightning.

The measures come as the province braces for a fresh spell of monsoon weather, with the official advisory warning of widespread rain and thunderstorms in parts of Sindh in the coming days.