Civic bodies on high alert as Karachi braces for heavy rain

A rain emergency has been imposed in Karachi after the Meteorological Department’s forecast of four spells of downpours in the city from afternoon.

After the rain forecast, a half-day has been announced at government and private institutions, while a holiday will be observed in evening shifts of educational institutions.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has canceled the holidays of staffers while imposing rain emergency across Sindh and issuing high alert in all local bodies, administrations and hospitals.

The chief minister has also appealed to the citizens not to leave their homes unnecessarily. An emergency cell has also been set up at the Cantonment Headquarters.

The KMC has delivered machinery for rainwater drainage across the city.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has said that the city’s drains and choke points have been opened. He assured the citizens of the presence of local administration to clear roads during the rain.

On the other hand, in some cities of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including Bahawalpur, Jhang and Karak the intensity of cold has increased after rain.