Karachi receives rain as new weather system enters city

KARACHI: A new weather system has entered Karachi, bringing intermittent rainfall to several parts of the city and providing relief from the ongoing heat. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Bhains Colony, Raziqabad, Steel Town and parts of Malir received rain on Tuesday. Light rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is also expected in other parts of the city. Meanwhile, Hyderabad received rain accompanied by strong winds, improving the weather but disrupting power supply in several areas. According to a HESCO spokesperson, electricity supply has been restored through 99 feeders, while more than 70 feeders remain suspended. Several feeders were shut down as a precautionary safety measure. Heavy rain and strong winds were also reported in Sujawal, bringing relief from the heat. However, power outages were reported in several areas following the rainfall. NDMA issues flood alert The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a flood alert for several parts of the country amid forecasts of heavy rainfall over the next two days. According to the National Emergencies Operation Centre, rainfall in upper catchment areas could significantly raise water levels in rivers and local nullahs. Flash flood risks have been identified in several districts of Gilgit-Baltistan, including Gilgit, Diamer, Ghizer, Hunza and Skardu. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Upper Dir, Swat, Bajaur, Malakand, Kurram, Kohistan, Mohmand and Orakzai are also at risk of flooding. In Punjab, urban flooding is expected in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, Sargodha, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Sheikhupura. Zhob, Sherani and Musakhel in Balochistan also face potential flood threats. The NDMA advised citizens to avoid crossing flooded roads, low-lying bridges and fast-flowing water channels during intense rainfall. The public has also been advised to use the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application for real-time weather updates and disaster advisories, while emergency assistance can be sought through helpline 911.