LAHORE: Due to the unpredictable weather affecting numerous parts of the country, Karachi has declared a rain emergency.
The situation is dire; since the early hours of the morning, there has been constant rain recorded in several parts of Lahore, including Mall Road, Gulberg, Lahore Cantonment, Lakshmi Chowk, and Shimla Pahari.
Significant rainfall has also been experienced in Johar Town, Defence, Canal Road, Thokar Niaz Baig, Wahdat Road, and the neighboring districts. The downpour is not limited to Lahore; it is also affecting Punjabi cities like Kasur, Muridke, Phoolnagar, Sharqpur, and Jhang.
Sadly, the torrential downpours have turned deadly, taking the lives of three people in Kamalia when a run-down home collapsed. Two children and one adult were lost in another tragedy that happened in Kharan.
Anticipating a stretch of heavy rainfall in the afternoon, Karachi’s metropolitan city is on high alert. Malir, Airport, Gulshan Hadeed, and Gadap are predicted to encounter hailstorms, causing the municipal administration to proclaim a rain emergency to avert catastrophes.
As a result, Karachi University’s planned exams have been rescheduled, and night shift schools are closed. Offices in the public and private sectors will observe a half-day of work.
The Chief Minister’s residence has a rain emergency cell that is working around-the-clock to handle the situation.
Gwadar, which is already dealing with a serious crisis, is currently going through another period of intense rain, wind, and thunder. Residents are forced to relocate in order to protect their lives, as the drainage system and rescue infrastructure have been seriously damaged.
The water levels of rivers including Sibi, Nari, Talli, and canals have significantly increased as a result of the 14 hours of intense rain that have fallen on Sibi and the surrounding areas. A high alert has been issued by the irrigation department, directing emergency rescue teams to stay vigilant and prepared to handle any unfavorable circumstances.
Temperatures are dropping as a result of sporadic rain and snowfall in northern mountainous areas, including Azad Kashmir. Still, there’s a good chance that landslides and snowfall will cause blockages on the routes.
People are asked to be cautious while the nation deals with these unusual weather circumstances, and emergency services are ready to react to any new developments.
