KARACHI — Learning from the traffic chaos during the August 19 downpour, the Sindh government and Karachi authorities have finalized a series of precautionary steps to protect citizens and ensure smoother traffic flow ahead of another forecast of heavy rainfall.
An emergency meeting, chaired by Provincial Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah on the instructions of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, brought together key officials including Mayor Murtaza Wahab, the additional IG Karachi, DIG Traffic, secretaries of local government and information, DG PDMA, Rescue 1122, representatives from K-Electric, SSGC, KDA, KMC, and all deputy commissioners of the Karachi division.
Traffic Plans and Public Updates
Officials decided that road closures and diversions would be implemented where necessary, under the supervision of the DIG Traffic, with the final approval resting with the mayor. Citizens will be updated on traffic changes and diversions through FM Radio 88.6 and other communication platforms.
The chief secretary admitted that during the last spell of rain, lack of timely information left commuters stranded for hours. This time, he stressed, senior officials including DIGs, deputy commissioners, SSPs, SHOs, and Rescue 1122 teams will remain in the field to assist the public.
Dewatering and Rescue Measures
The PDMA has already placed 16 dewatering pumps at strategic points, with additional pumps, kits, and equipment ready for use. Rescue 1122 has been put on high alert to carry out emergency evacuations if needed, while KDA machinery will also be deployed at sensitive locations. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) will set up special citizen camps to guide residents during the rains.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab informed the meeting that storm drains and choke points across the city have been cleared on a priority basis, with dewatering pumps installed at vulnerable roads to minimize flooding. Control rooms will also operate from the commissioner’s office and the police headquarters to ensure real-time coordination between institutions.
Electricity and Safety Measures
Representatives from K-Electric assured uninterrupted supply, saying that special control points had been established to tackle outages during the rains.
Emphasizing unity, Chief Secretary Shah said: “All institutions must work together with a joint strategy to ensure smooth traffic management, timely drainage, and maximum facilitation for citizens during the rains.”
