Sukkur Shatters 77-Year-Old Record with 290mm Rainfall

Sukkur, Sukkur Shatters 77-Year-Old Record with 290mm Rainfall, Sindh, has experienced heavy monsoon rains, but the claim of a “77-year record” being broken with 290mm rainfall in a single day has been disputed. Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz clarified that Sukkur received 116mm of rain in 48 hours, while nearby Rohri recorded 134mm.

Despite the correction, the rainfall has caused significant disruptions, with stagnant water and poor sewerage systems hindering transportation. However, the Sindh government spokesperson and Sukkur Mayor Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh reported that the dewatering process is almost complete, with 80% of areas cleared, and the remaining work is underway.

The Sukkur Municipal Corporation had made preparations for timely dewatering, including upgrading disposal stations and installing heavy generators and machinery in low-lying areas. While Old Sukkur, Ghanta Ghar, and other areas were inundated, swift action brought the situation under control.

The monsoon season, which runs from June to September, often brings weather-related disasters, and climate change is increasing their frequency and severity. Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1% to global greenhouse gases, is highly vulnerable to climate change, as evident from the catastrophic flooding in 2022 that affected a third of the country, killing over 1,700 people, displacing 33 million, and destroying thousands of homes.

Sukkur Mayor Challenges PMD’s Rainfall Data, Reignites Record Rain Controversy,

As the controversy over the “record breaking rain” in Sukkur deepens, Sindh government spokesperson and Sukkur Mayor Barrister Arsalan Islam Sheikh has expressed disappointment with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), saying their data is based on what he called observations.

The Sukkur mayor said this in a video statement issued on Monday after Sardar Sarfaraz, the chief meteorologist at the PMD, rejected his claim regarding the record-breaking rainfall on Sunday in the city.

The mayor had claimed that Sukkur received 290mm rain in a single day which broke the “77-year record” of the city.

Heavy Rains to Lash Pakistan, NDMA Urges Precautions

The PMD’s chief meteorologist, however, termed the claim “wrong” and told Geo News that “116mm of rain was recorded in Sukkur in 48 hours. Rohri near Sukkur recorded 134mm rainfall.”

I ask the meteorological department whether they have such a system in Sukkur that can accurately measure the rainfall in the city?” Sheikh said today in response to the chief meteorologist.

He said that the PMD’s data is unfortunately based on observation, no authentic system is installed in the city.

“If the PMD has any rain gauge system installed in the city, please share it with us,” he added.

Sharing the PMD’s weather forecast for Sukkur in the month of July, the Sindh government spox said that the department’s forecast did not come true even for a single day.

He also shared the PMD’s rain forecast for August, according to which the city was predicted to receive 53.5 mm. However, the rain situation in the current month is visible to everybody, he noted.

Sheikh said that here are five taluqas in district Sukkur and the provincial government had installed a rain gauge in each of the taluka where rainfall is measured every three hours.

This data is released to other departments including the CM Portal, he added.

Meanwhile, Sindh Minister for Local Government Saeed Ghani also addressed the controversy earlier today, saying that the government has its own system in place to measure downpour in each taluka. However, he added, the PMD has towers in specific areas to measure rain.

Ghani backed the district administration’s claim, saying that 281mm rain was recorded in Sukkur city. “Sukkur received five spells of torrential rains,” he said.

While,

Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori personally contacted Chairman Sukkur District, Kumail Shah, and Deputy Commissioner Dr. M.B. Dharijo to oversee the relief efforts in rain and flood-affected areas of Sukkur. The officials briefed him on the ongoing operations and measures taken to mitigate the disaster’s impact.

Governor Tessori commended the swift response and proactive steps taken by the district administration. He informed them that 10,000 ration bags had already been sent from the Governor’s House to the affected areas, with additional supplies to be dispatched if needed. Emphasizing the importance of collective effort, he stressed that robust assistance is crucial to support those affected by the disaster.

The Governor praised the officials for their dedication, highlighting the need to meet public expectations during challenging times to build trust. Chairman Sukkur District assured him that emergency measures were being implemented, while the Deputy Commissioner confirmed that victims were being relocated to safe areas with essential supplies, including food.