Rain emergency imposed in Karachi amid 1 March heavy rain prediction, half day for offices announced

A rain emergency has been imposed in Karachi amid the 1 March heavy rain prediction.

Most of the cities in Sindh, including Karachi, are expected to receive torrential rainfall from Thursday (today). Some parts of the country are to be hit by heavy snowfall with windstorms from today, which is likely to continue till March 2, as per the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) prediction.

Following the weather advisory, the Sindh government has imposed a rain emergency in the province including Karachi.

A strong westerly wave is likely to approach western parts of the country on February 29, which may grip most parts of the country on March 1, the weather department said, adding that the wave may persist for two days.

Addressing the meeting regarding the rain forecasts, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah declared a rain emergency in the province.

The chief minister’s spokesperson said the CM has put the local bodies, administrations and hospitals on high alert.

Citizens have been advised to avoid getting out of their houses unnecessarily as three to four spells of rain were expected to hit Karachi Friday afternoon.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui said the decision for the half-day was taken as an “abundant precaution”. He also requested citizens to avoid travelling unnecessarily to stave off any inconvenience.

“Though preparations have been made, as a matter of abundant precaution, it has been decided in a meeting presided by CM that tomorrow will be a half day for offices in Karachi division from 2 pm. Citizens are requested to also avoid unnecessary movement to avoid any inconvenience,” he said in a statement posted on X.

A day earlier, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) also issued an advisory as heavy rains are expected to hit different parts of Sindh.