Sindh on high alert as heavy rainfall expected from August 26 night

IV Report

KARACHI: Ahead of expected heavy rainfall in Sindh starting August 26 night, local bodies, district administrations, and the irrigation department have been put on high alert to prevent harm to the population and civic amenities.

According to the Sindh government, the Pakistan Meteorological Department reported a low-pressure area over central India has intensified into a depression, expected to reach eastern Sindh on August 26 night, bringing strong monsoon currents.

As many as 18 districts, including Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Sanghar, Jamshoro and Hyderabad, may experience rain, wind-thunderstorms, and scattered heavy to very heavy falls until August 31, with occasional gaps. Karachi Division may face wind-thunderstorms and scattered heavy to very heavy falls from August 27 to 31.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired an emergency meeting on August 26, discussing measures to address heavy rainfall. All concerned authorities were alerted to be prepared for timely action in case of emergencies.

Attendees included provincial ministers, mayors, Sindh Chief Secretary, Commissioner Karachi, and representatives from relevant departments and agencies.

Mayors, commissioners, and deputy commissioners of other divisions joined via video link.

The meeting was informed that Ghotki, Sukkur, and other districts may experience rain and thunderstorms with heavy falls from August 26 to 30.

Discussing emergency measures, Sindh Chief Minister alerted local bodies, district administrations, and the irrigation department to be prepared for timely action in case of any emergency.

Meteorologist Sarfraz Ahmad predicted rainfall of 150-200 mm in Karachi, 250-300 mm in Thatta and Sujawal, and up to 500 mm in Badin and Tando Mohammad Khan.

The meeting highlighted potential impacts, including urban flooding, rain inundation, water logging, damage to structures, and lightning strikes. CM Shah directed authorities to take necessary measures, such as preventing sea bathing and ensuring fishermen's safety.

Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab reported on preparations for timely cleaning of drains and maintenance of drainage systems. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority confirmed its stock position was satisfactory, with necessary items available for dispatch in case of emergencies.

CM Shah emphasised the need for strengthened coordination within divisions and districts to meet any emergency. A rain emergency complaint cell has been established at CM House for citizens to lodge complaints against civic agencies. 

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

KU syndicate takes decisions on appointments, terminations

Image
IV report KARACHI: Under Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid M Iraqi's guidance, the University of Karachi (KU) syndicate made key decisions on August 31, including appointments of department chairpersons, termination of two lecturers. The syndicate approved appointments of six department chairpersons and a director of institute: Professor Dr Sobia Anees Shahzad (Sociology), Professor Dr Shamshad Akhtar (Geography), Professor Dr Abdul Wahab (Microbiology), Dr Saima Akhtar (Public Administration), Dr Rahila Rehmat Zehra (Biotechnology) and Zaima Israr Mohiuddin (Commerce). Dr Irfan Aziz was appointed Director of Dr M Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophytes Utilisation. The syndicate decided to remove two lecturers of the Physics department --Rabia Najam and Omair Ishaque-- from the services in the light of two separate inquiry reports, said a KU press release. The statutory body also endorsed recommendations of the university’s committee on unfair means for cancellation o...
Read more

KU syndicate greenlights SHEC building on campus, despite reservations

Image
By Mukhtar Alam KARACHI: The University of Karachi (KU) syndicate accepted a request from the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) to construct a complex on a two-acre prime land, despite some members' reservations. A four-member committee, headed by Engineer Memon Abdul Jabbar, will finalise the proposed land transfer modalities for the consideration of syndicate. The committee comprises three syndicate members, including two government appointees and a provincial government nominee. Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi chaired the meeting, addressing concerns raised by members, on August 31. According to a KU press release, the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) requested two acres of land for its building. The KU syndicate addressed concerns by stipulating that the SHEC building will be non-commercial and the land will remain KU property. “Upon SHEC's departure, KU administration will manage and govern the building." However, independent qua...
Read more

University of Karachi syndicate meeting mired in controversy

Image
IV Report KARACHI: The sixth meeting of the University of Karachi's syndicate for 2024, held on October 31, was marked by intense debate on several issues, including the promotion of 54 university officers to higher grades. A senior faculty member, Dr Riaz Ahmed, a syndicate member, expressed concerns that the university administration applies different criteria for promoting teaching and non-teaching staff. Despite the syndicate approving promotions for over 50 officers in grades 18 to 20, Dr Ahmed pointed out to the chair of the meeting, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid M Iraqi, that the departmental promotion committee violated the syndicate's set policy by not including a syndicate member in the promotion committee, as decided in 2018. He also highlighted that eight candidates received higher grades under the Incentive Scheme, despite already availing of the benefit twice, which undermines the rules. Other contentious issues included disagreements over the minutes of ...
Read more