ISLAMABAD: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Tuesday alerted relevant authorities about the risk of urban flooding in Sindh, particularly in Karachi and Hyderabad, due to anticipated heavy rains and thunderstorms.

According to the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center, scattered rainfall, windstorms, and thunderstorms are expected across various regions of Sindh, including Kashmore, Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Umerkot, Badin, Mithi, Tharparkar, and nearby areas within the next 12 to 24 hours.

The NDMA stated, “Possible impacts may include localized urban flooding/overflows of Nullahs in parts of Sindh, including Karachi and Hyderabad.”

The NDMA has advised Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and local administrations to closely monitor the situation and implement appropriate measures to protect at-risk populations. Additionally, residents of low-lying areas have been urged to “exercise extra caution and undertake emergency preparations given the potential for urban flooding.”

Communities at risk should also adhere to instructions from local authorities.

Sindh Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah directed the irrigation department the previous day to devise an emergency plan for potential river flooding.

Shah emphasized the importance of coordination among law enforcement agencies, the Pakistan Navy, and all relevant departments to swiftly address any emergency situations.

He highlighted various factors influencing monsoon rains in the country, such as sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the subtropical high/Tibetan high (STH/TH), the tropical easterly jet (TEJ), heat low-pressure areas, low-level jets (LLJ), the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO), and the Indian Ocean high (IOH) pressure area.