Karachi, along with numerous other regions in Sindh, welcomed the first significant rainfall of the winter season on Thursday, a spell expected to persist into Friday. The Pakistan Meteorological Department confirmed the widespread showers, which brought a notable drop in temperatures across the province.
Rainfall Patterns and Affected Areas
The downpour was particularly heavy in several key localities of Karachi. Areas such as Model Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Federal B Areas, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, and Clifton received substantial rainfall. Other parts of the city including New Karachi, Nazimabad, Safura, Scheme No. 33, and Lyari were also drenched by the winter showers.
Beyond the provincial capital, the rain extended to other Sindh districts. Cities like Shikarpur, Jacobabad, and Dadu reported rainfall. The town of Daharki in upper Sindh experienced especially intense rain, described by locals as coming down 'cats and dogs,' which sharply cooled the weather. Showers were also recorded in Ubauro and its surrounding outskirts.
Mixed Consequences: Power Outages and Agricultural Benefits
The rainfall, however, was not without its problems for Karachi's residents. The supply of electricity to various localities was suspended after several power feeders tripped due to the wet conditions, causing inconvenience in multiple neighborhoods.
On a positive note, the agricultural community has greeted the rain with optimism. Farmers believe the precipitation will prove highly beneficial for the ongoing wheat crop, providing much-needed water and potentially improving yields for the important Rabi season harvest.
Widespread Weather Activity Across Pakistan
This rain system was not confined to Sindh alone. It also lashed Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan. The Neelum Valley and Kalam received both rain and snowfall in their higher, mountainous regions, transforming the landscape.
Parts of eastern Balochistan reported heavy rain, with water entering homes and causing damage to some houses. Various areas of south Punjab also experienced showers, leading to a considerable dip in temperatures. Light rain in and around Uch Sharif intensified the cold weather, while Liaquatpur and its surroundings also recorded their first winter season rainfall.
In Karachi, the Met Office recorded a minimum temperature of 8 degrees Celsius, with a daytime high expected to reach around 22 degrees Celsius.
Municipal Response in Larkana
In response to heavy rainfall in Larkana city, the local Municipal Corporation sprang into action on the instructions of Mayor Advocate Anwar Ali Luhur. Teams worked throughout the night to address citizen difficulties. The corporation ensured timely fuel supply to water disposal stations and kept drainage pumps operational using generators to manage the emergency.
Mayor Luhur directed officers to ensure immediate drainage of rainwater, with special focus on the city's low-lying areas. He emphasized that citizen convenience was the top priority and directed all concerned officials, including Town and Union Committee chairmen, to remain alert until the situation normalized completely.
