KARACHI: The monsoon season has officially arrived in Sindh, unleashing torrential downpours today that have severely impacted daily life across the province, particularly in Karachi.

Early this morning, heavy rains turned numerous Karachi neighborhoods into virtual ponds, leading to significant disruption and widespread power outages, prompting local authorities and disaster management teams to initiate response efforts.

Areas like Scheme 33, Gadap, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and Shah Faisal Colony, the vicinity of the airport, Tariq Road, and Baloch Colony have seen roads transformed into waterlogged stretches. Low-lying areas and residential streets across the city are inundated, with many localities experiencing prolonged electricity suspension.

The Meteorological Department has released figures for the overnight rainfall in various parts of Karachi. The highest precipitation was recorded at Met Office University Road, measuring 2.3 millimeters.

Other significant readings include 2 millimeters at Airport, Old Area, PAF Base Faisal, and Gulshan-e-Hadeed. Korangi and Jinnah Terminal received 1.4 millimeters of rain, while Keamari recorded 1 millimeter and Surjani Town saw 0.2 millimeters.

Beyond Karachi, other cities in Sindh have also been battered by severe rains. Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Thatta, Makli, Sukkur, Mirpur Mathelo, Kandhkot, Khairpur Nathan Shah, and Haripur have all reported heavy downpours, leading to flood-like situations.

The widespread rainfall has severely disrupted traffic flow across the province, leaving many residents confined to their homes. Rescue organizations are facing considerable challenges in conducting their operations amidst the adverse conditions.

The Meteorological Department forecasts continued rainfall today across various parts of the country, including Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, and Islamabad.

In response to the anticipated weather, alerts have been issued for 18 districts in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan, indicating a heightened risk of heavy rainfall and associated hazards.

Both the Meteorological Department and disaster management authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during the monsoon spell and to implement all necessary precautionary measures to ensure their safety.