KARACHI: A security and emergency services division of police has established an urban flooding rescue unit to help Karachi's citizens in case of heavy rainfall and deluge, officials said on Thursday.
Karachi witnessed massive urban flooding last year in which 41 people were killed and many residents lost their valuable items in rainwater.
“We have adopted this innovative approach to help citizens in flood situation,” Maqsood Memon, head of the security and emergency services division of the police, told Arab News, adding that the unit would rescue Karachi’s residents in monsoon emergencies with the help of trained commandos of the Special Security Unit of the Sindh Police.
This picture taken at the headquarter of the Special Security Unit of the Sindh Police on July 6, 2021, shows a group of elite commandos belonging to the newly established Urban Flooding Rescue Unit in Karachi. (Photo courtesy: Sindh Police)
Last year on July 26, Karachi experienced its worst flooding since 1931 when a deadly spell of rain killed at least 41 residents.
Authorities struggled for several days to drain water from people’s houses in affluent neighborhoods like the Defense Housing Authority and Naya Nazimabad, prompting protests.
A group of commandos belonging to the newly established Urban Flooding Rescue Unit of the Sindh Police participate in exercises at the Manora beach in Karachi on July 6, 2021. (Photo courtesy: Sindh Police)
Speaking to Arab News on Thursday, Director Pakistan Meteorological Department Sardar Sarfaraz said the country was likely to receive more monsoon rain in the coming months than last year.
“The South Asian Seasonal Climate Outlook Forum has also predicted heavy rains across Pakistan,” he said, adding that rain was expected to begin in Karachi by July 15 and could prolong until Eid Al-Adha.
"However, we will only be able to share its exact intensity once the weather system develops,” he continued.
A group of commandos belonging to the newly established Urban Flooding Rescue Unit of the Sindh Police participate in exercises at the Manora beach in Karachi on July 6, 2021. (Photo courtesy: Sindh Police)
Memon also maintained that the police had raised the rescue unit to deal with urban flooding since the city was likely to face heavy rains.
He added the unit had 17 SSU commandos who were equipped with latest rescue gadgets and small boats. Memon also informed that the elite team of highly skilled police personnel had recently graduated after participating in a three-month lifeguard training program offered by experts.
A practical demonstration of a rescue team was also given by the unit during the inauguration ceremony, read an SSU handout.
