ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of more rain in different parts of the country from September 2 to 5, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced Sunday the cyclonic storm ASNA had moved further away from the coastal regions and was expected to weaken gradually.
Pakistan has witnessed massive monsoon rains since the beginning of July, during which, according to the country’s disaster management body, 285 people were reported to have lost their lives by the end of this week.
The PMD also warned residents of Pakistan’s southern coastal areas of a possible cyclonic storm after the weather system developed over India’s Rann of Kutch before gaining intensity.
However, Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz informed on Saturday the cyclone was moving toward Oman, though he noted it could still cause heavy rains and thunderstorms in Sindh and Balochistan provinces.
“National Emergencies Operation Center has anticipated that several regions in Pakistan are expected to experience moderate monsoon rains from 2nd to 5th September 2024,” the NDMA said in a statement.
It said that northeastern Punjab was likely to expect rainfall under the system along with the Potohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
“General public is advised to avoid visiting the seaside and beach areas and remain cautious of loose structures like billboards, electrical poles, solar panels and hoardings,” it added.
The PMD also said in its weather alert that sea conditions were likely to remain rough with gusting wind going up to 80 kilometers per hours until Sunday night.
“Fishermen of Balochistan are advised not to venture in open sea till tonight while those of Sindh can resume their activities from today,” it said.
The PMD also said its cyclone monitoring center in Karachi was closely observing the weather system and would issue further updates about it.
Pakistan to witness more rains next week as Cyclone ASNA moves away from coastal regions
https://arab.news/jpbrd
Pakistan to witness more rains next week as Cyclone ASNA moves away from coastal regions
- The monsoon rains have so far claimed 285 lives across the country since July 1, according to the NDMA
- The meteorological department warns fishermen in Balochistan to stay away from the sea until tonight
Thousands rally in Karachi after deadly mall fire, demand resignations and reforms
- Protesters cite fire that killed at least 67, blame civic failures, weak emergency response
- Rally adds pressure on Sindh’s ruling party amid anger over infrastructure and utilities
KARACHI: Thousands rallied in Karachi on Sunday demanding the resignations of local officials and systemic reforms following a devastating shopping mall fire that killed dozens last month.
The demonstration underscored deepening public anger over civic failures in Pakistan’s largest city.
Approximately 4,000 people marched under the slogan “Enough is enough” in a rally organized by the political Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami (JI).
Demonstrators cited chronic water and power shortages, poor emergency services, and crumbling infrastructure as key grievances.
The blaze at the Gul Plaza Shopping Mall in January, which left at least 67 dead and over 15 missing, has intensified scrutiny of the city’s disaster preparedness and governance.
The protest’s main speaker, Jamaat e Islami’s Karachi chief Munim Zafar, demanded immediate compensation for the victims’ families and affected businesses. He also accused the city’s administration of failing to provide basic utilities and competent emergency services.
“Our demand is clear: compensation for the families of those who died in the Gul Plaza incident, and compensation for the traders who suffered losses. They should be given alternative support to help them rebuild their businesses,” Zafar said.
He said Karachi’s residents were being denied basic services and protection, calling for the resignations of senior city and provincial officials:
“The people of Karachi deserve to live with dignity, but you’re not providing them with basic necessities like water and electricity. When there’s a fire, you’re incapable of rescue, and when it rains, the city is flooded. Our infrastructure is in shambles ... Karachi needs an empowered local government system.”
The protest increases political pressure on the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which governs Sindh province and Karachi.
City and provincial authorities have previously pointed to rapid urbanization and funding limits when addressing infrastructure issues.
The offices of Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and the Sindh government did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment on demonstrators’ requests.
