Sindh mobilises rescue, health teams as heavy monsoon spell threatens province

KARACHI: Sindh has activated emergency preparations across the province ahead of expected heavy monsoon rains, with district administrations, rescue services and health teams placed on round-the-clock alert.

Adviser to the Chief Minister on Rehabilitation Gyan Chand Essrani said on Sunday that all relevant departments had been directed to maintain continuous readiness and respond quickly to any emergency. He said the provincial government's machinery had been fully mobilised for the monsoon season and stressed close coordination among departments, along with daily situation reports from districts.

Provincial authorities have positioned 50 specialised response vehicles fitted with dewatering pumps in different parts of Sindh. Of these, 10 have been deployed in Karachi, 25 in the Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas divisions, and 15 in the Sukkur and Larkana divisions.

Within Karachi, three vehicles have been stationed in District South, two in District East, and one each in West, Central, Malir and Korangi. Each unit has trained operators and technical staff assigned to it.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority's central control room is operating 24 hours a day, with GIS operators and other personnel tracking rainfall trends, weather conditions and emergency complaints.

Officials said recent rains in Sindh left two people dead and injured two others. Nagarparkar recorded the highest rainfall in the province at 108mm.

Rescue and medical response plan activated

Rescue 1122 has circulated its Monsoon 2026 contingency plan to commissioners, deputy commissioners and district administrations. Under the plan, 1,586 field personnel and 200 control room staff have been placed on alert.

The rescue service has also readied 38 boats, 27 outboard motors, 15 fire tenders, 24 search and rescue vehicles, 13 recovery vehicles, nine water rescue vehicles and 19 emergency response cabins.

Authorities have prepared for a range of possible incidents during the rains, including urban flooding, flash floods, building collapses, lightning strikes, electrocution cases, traffic accidents and the evacuation of stranded residents. The central command and control centre is monitoring conditions continuously, while district teams have been told to ensure a swift response.

Mobile health units have also been prepared for remote and rain-hit areas to provide basic treatment, diagnostic services and emergency care.