Sindh Braces for Heavy Rainfall: Authorities on High Alert
Sindh province is preparing for widespread rainfall and thunderstorms from March 24 to 30, prompting authorities to issue alerts and mobilize resources. Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah directed officials across the province to remain on high alert and ensure pre-emptive arrangements to handle potential emergencies.
Weather Forecast
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted widespread rain and thunderstorms across the country during the specified period. In Sindh, rain-wind and thunderstorm activity, potentially including isolated hailstorms, is expected in several districts including Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Dadu, Kashmore, Jacobabad, Larkana, and Karachi on Wednesday and Thursday, with further spells anticipated on Saturday and Sunday [1].
Contingency Measures
Chief Secretary Shah chaired a high-level meeting with commissioners, deputy commissioners, and assistant commissioners to review contingency plans and preparedness measures. Officials were instructed to remain in the field, continuously monitor the situation, and prioritize public facilitation [2].
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has been directed to issue an advisory and coordinate with relevant departments. A public awareness campaign will be launched to inform citizens about potential risks and necessary precautions.
District administrations and municipal bodies have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted public service delivery. Emphasis has been placed on drainage management, with authorities directed to ensure the operational readiness of all machinery to prevent urban flooding and water accumulation.
Traffic Management and Safety
Agencies have been instructed to take emergency measures to maintain traffic flow and minimize disruption. Authorities are also directed to address hazardous billboards and unsafe structures in anticipation of strong winds and heavy rain [1].
PDMA Alert and Preparedness
Following the meeting, the Sindh PDMA issued an alert for rain and strong winds across the province, urging authorities and the public to take precautionary measures. PDMA Director General Salman Shah stated that several districts, including Karachi, are likely to be affected [1].
PDMA staff are on alert with necessary machinery in place to respond to emergencies. The authority warned that strong winds and potential hailstorms could damage weak structures and solar panels, and that standing crops may be affected. Arrangements have been made, under the guidance of Sindh Chief Minister’s Adviser on Rehabilitation Giyan Chand Essrani, to deal with any emergency situation.
Leadership
Syed Asif Hyder Shah has been serving as the Chief Secretary of Sindh since March 2024, appointed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan [1]. He also serves as the Cabinet Secretary of Sindh. Shah previously served as Federal Secretary Climate Change and has held various important positions including Commissioner Hyderabad and Karachi [2], [3].
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