Dust storm hits Karachi, rain expected today

KARACHI: A dust-storm accompanied by strong winds swept across Karachi on Sunday night, while Pakistan Metrological Department has forecast rains along with dust and thunderstorm in the city for Monday (today).

The storm, caused by a low-pressure system, dropped the temperatures, providing citizens with some respite from the scorching heat. 

There were reports of injuries and damage in some areas as the emergency and rescue teams were busy to remove  downed trees and poles to clear roads. The flights were also delayed as a dust storm reduced visibility.

The storm hit several parts of the port city, including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, SITE, Malir, Landi, Stadium Road, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, North Karachi and North Nazimabad.

The weather system is likely to intensify and grip most parts of the province. While Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rains along with dust and thunderstorm in Karachi on Monday and Tuesday. The rain is expected to provide slight relief from the scorching heat.

The official said there was a likelihood of rains falling in Balochistan from Monday to Tuesday and at scattered places in Sindh's Sukkur, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirbad, Hyderabad and Karachi divisions on Monday and Tuesday.