Sindh Braces for Heavy Rain & Strong Winds: Authorities on Alert

Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah directed provincial authorities on Tuesday to prepare for widespread rain and thunderstorms forecast to begin Wednesday and continue with intervals through March 30, according to a statement from the chief secretary’s office.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted the weather system will affect several districts including Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Hyderabad, Sukkur, Dadu, Kashmore, Jacobabad, and Larkana, potentially bringing isolated hailstorms.

Shah chaired a high-level meeting with commissioners, deputy commissioners, and assistant commissioners to review contingency plans and preparedness measures. Attendees were instructed to remain in the field and continuously monitor conditions to address public concerns immediately, with public facilitation and field presence prioritized.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) was directed to issue an advisory and coordinate with relevant departments. A public awareness campaign was also called for to inform citizens about potential risks and necessary precautions.

Authorities were specifically instructed to ensure the operational readiness of drainage machinery to prevent urban flooding and water accumulation. Traffic flow maintenance and the removal of hazardous billboards and unsafe structures were also emphasized, given the anticipated strong winds.

Following the meeting, the Sindh PDMA issued an alert for rain and strong winds across the province, urging precautionary measures. PDMA Director General Salman Shah warned that strong winds and possible hailstorms could damage weak structures and solar panels, and that standing crops could be affected. A drop in temperature is also expected.

All deputy commissioners and relevant departments have been placed on high alert. Arrangements have been made to deal with any emergency situation, according to Sindh PDMA, following instructions from Sindh Chief Minister’s Adviser on Rehabilitation, Giyan Chand Essrani.

Asif Hyder Shah was appointed Sindh Chief Secretary in March 2024, replacing Dr. Fakhar Alam, according to reports from The Nation and Dawn. The position is equivalent to the rank of Federal Secretary and Shah reports directly to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, also serving as the Cabinet Secretary of Sindh.