Severe weather conditions swept through various cities in Sindh, Pakistan, as heavy rains and powerful dust storms triggered widespread flooding, power outages, and infrastructure damage. The cities most affected include Jacobabad, Larkana, Ghotki, and Sukkur, where torrential rain inundated low-lying areas, causing significant disruptions.
In Hyderabad, a mudslide during the storm led to the tripping of 80 HESCO feeders, leaving several neighborhoods without electricity. The power supply in nearby cities, including Sukkur and Hyderabad, was severely affected due to storm damage and fallen transmission lines.
Dust Storms Cause Widespread Damage
The district of Dadu faced intense dust storms that uprooted trees and electricity poles, further straining the local infrastructure. In Nawabshah, fierce winds brought down trees and power lines, plunging areas into darkness and making roadways hazardous.
The storms also resulted in tragic incidents. In Padidan, two individuals lost their lives in weather-related accidents, while in Mehar, four others were injured due to flying debris and collapsing structures.
Punjab Sees a Pleasant Shift in Weather
While Sindh bore the brunt of the severe weather, various areas of Punjab experienced light to moderate rainfall, bringing a temporary sense of relief and cooler temperatures to the region.
Rain Forecast for Sindh and Surrounding Regions
A private meteorological agency has issued a fresh weather forecast, predicting thunderstorms and gusty winds in both northeast and northwest regions of the country on Monday and Tuesday. The forecast also includes the potential for scattered rain and hailstorms across multiple districts of Sindh.
Key cities expected to be impacted in the coming days include:
- Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, and Jamshoro, with forecasts predicting intermittent thundershowers over the next five days.
- Tando Ala Yar, Tando Muhammad Khan, and surrounding rural areas could also see moderate to heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds.
- Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Rohri, and Shahdadkot are likely to experience wind and hailstorms, potentially affecting travel and daily routines.
- Dadu and Moro remain at risk of further rain and storm-related damage.
Safety Advisory Issued
In light of the ongoing and upcoming storms, the private weather agency has urged citizens to avoid standing near billboards, large trees, and electricity poles, which are highly vulnerable during strong wind and rain episodes.
Authorities have also been advised to remain on high alert, especially in regions with fragile infrastructure. Rescue services and utility companies are working to restore power and remove debris caused by fallen trees and poles, but the risk of additional outages remains high as unstable weather continues.
Long-Term Outlook
Meteorologists warn that climate change-driven weather extremes could lead to more frequent and intense storms in the future. With Sindh’s infrastructure already under pressure, there is an urgent need for disaster preparedness and urban resilience planning to cope with such events.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) is expected to release updated forecasts and alerts in the coming days, while local governments have been urged to activate emergency response units and clear drainage systems to prevent further urban flooding.
As communities across Sindh and parts of Punjab brace for more rain, public awareness and timely preparedness will be critical in minimizing the impact of this developing weather system.
