Deadly downpour

Heavy rain in Karachi has always brought routine life to a grinding halt in Karachi. Whether it is a mild drizzle or an incessant downpour, the result is the same. Roads are inundated with rainwater and traffic gridlocks are witnessed throughout the city. In various parts of the city, power outages have become the norm during monsoon showers.

At this critical juncture, we need to devise a long-term strategy that can help us address these challenges. The cooperation of all major stakeholders is needed to grapple with this problem. First, we must develop a plausible method to improve the drainage system in the city. This will prevent water from accumulating on streets and reduce the risk of any rain-related casualties and accidents. Second, we must be fully equipped and prepared for the monsoons. Power suppliers have to find an effective strategy to ensure people are not inconvenienced by long hours of loadshedding during the monsoon season. More significantly, we must all follow weather advisories and accordingly take all the necessary precautions. If we fail to take the right steps before the monsoon showers, the outcome will be far from favourable.

Mona Karim (Karachi)