Karachi on High Alert: PDMA Predicts Over 100% Increase in Monsoon Rains

The city of Karachi is on high alert as the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) forecasts a significant increase in monsoon rains.

According to PDMA Director General Salman Shah, the port city may experience over 100% more rainfall from July to August. This prediction has prompted urgent calls for preparedness among various city departments.

Urgent Preparations Required

In a recent meeting chaired by Commissioner Karachi in which key stakeholders, including the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Karachi Development Authority (KDA), and other relevant organizations, were urged to develop comprehensive emergency plans. DG Salman Shah emphasized the importance of readiness to mitigate potential disasters, highlighting that there are 198 slope areas in Karachi, with 29 being particularly vulnerable.

The Karachi Commissioner reiterated the necessity for all agencies to implement contingency measures to handle the anticipated heavy rainfall. He warned that failure to prepare could result in significant damage and loss for the city.

Historical Context: Karachi Monsoon 2020

Karachi witnessed record-breaking rainfall from August 24th to 27th in 2020, with a staggering 230 mm recorded on August 27th alone. This extreme weather led to widespread devastation, with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reporting 184 rain-related deaths across Pakistan, 47 of which were in Karachi.

The fatalities were primarily due to drowning, electrocution, and collapsing roofs. The total rainfall for August 2020 reached 604 mm, marking the rainiest August in 89 years for Karachi. Typically, the city experiences monsoon rains from June to September, with an annual average rainfall of 174.6 mm. The highest annual rainfall on record is 713 mm, observed in 1967.

Causes of Flooding in Karachi

A preliminary survey following last year’s monsoon floods revealed that Karachi's severe flooding is partly due to illegal encroachments on drainage channels, known as nullahs. However, the underlying issues are more complex, stemming from decades of infrastructure neglect.

Changing climate patterns have exacerbated these problems, increasing the city's vulnerability to flooding. The lack of adequate drainage infrastructure and the proliferation of informal settlements have compounded the risks, highlighting the urgent need for systemic improvements in urban planning and disaster management.

As Karachi braces for an unprecedented monsoon season, the emphasis is on preparedness and proactive measures. The warnings from PDMA and the Karachi Commissioner serve as a critical reminder of the city's vulnerabilities and the pressing need for coordinated efforts to safeguard lives and property. With the right strategies and timely interventions, Karachi can better navigate the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions.