-Public holiday declared in Karachi, Hyderabad today
From Zeeshan Mirza
KARACHI: The Government of Sindh has declared Monday (July 25) as a public holiday in Karachi and Hyderabad division after moderate to heavy rain lashed both the cities on Sunday, with more downpours expected over the next 48 hours.
The announcement was made by Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon after at least one man died in Karachi due to rain-related incidents.
Memon said the decision was taken as it had been raining since 5 in the morning. He also requested the private sector to close their offices.
Meanwhile, police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed told reporters that the body of a 40-year-old man was brought from the city’s Lea Market near Memon Masjid to Civil Hospital Karachi. The cause of death was electrocution, she added.
The highest amount of rainfall received during the last 24 hours was in Quaidabad (4.5mm), followed by Saddar (4mm), Korangi (3mm), Gulshan-i-Hadeed (3mm), PAF Masroor base (2.4mm), Orangi Town (2mm), University Road (1.5mm), PAF Faisal base (1.5mm), Keamari (1.4mm), Jinnah Terminal (0.8mm), DHA Phase 2 (0.6mm), North Karachi (0.6mm) and old airport area (0.6mm), data from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) showed. Karachi Administrator Murtaza Wahab said it had been “raining constantly” in Karachi since early morning.
“However, the situation so far has been under control. All main roads and underpasses remain clear for traffic. Water piled up on the side of the roads will be brushed out,” he said.
A day earlier, Wahab had shared images of Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visiting different parts of the metropolitan city to oversee rain preparations and work on cleaning the stormwater drains.
“The entire administration will be in [the] field to ensure that rainwater is drained out,” the Karachi administrator had assured.
Meanwhile, the K-Electric (KE) spokesperson said that the power utility had received reports of rainfall in different parts of the city.
In a series of tweets, he urged citizens to be careful when using electrical appliances and to maintain a safe distance from billboards, electricity poles and under-construction buildings in case of strong wind.
He warned that the power supply in low-lying areas may be interrupted due to the accumulation of rainwater. “KE staff is constantly monitoring the situation and on alert,” he said, adding that citizens could register their complaints on 118 helpline.
