Karachi urban flooding-emergency numbers for public
Take precautionary measures to protect life and property during heavy rains and flooding
As rain
continues to lash Karachi, Sindh and other parts of the country during the
monsoon season, these tips may come in handy during the rainy season.
At all costs
one must be careful to avoid electrocution and other accidents whenever it
rains heavily.
A lot of
Karachi's problems are due to a lack of proper drainage system which triggers
urban flooding. However, these are some of the precautionary measures that
Karachiites can use to be prepared for the rain.
Emergency
numbers
The
following emergency numbers are useful to keep in case an emergency. We pray
that you do not.
Army Flood
Control Centre in Karachi: 1135, 021-34491082, 021-99247267 and 021-99207795
Sindh
Rangers: Helpline - 1101, Whatsapp - 0347-9001111
PDMA Sindh
Emergency Operations Centre: 021-99332003, 99332005, 35381810, 0335-5557362 or
Helpline - 1736
Edhi
Information: 115, 02132340066, 02132340077
Police
Helpline: 15, 02199212652, 02199212634
K-Electric
complaint: 118
Commissioner
Control Room Help Line:
021
99203443, 021 99205634
DC South
Control Rome Help Line: 02199202822, 0346 3202130
Electric
Shock
Water is a
very good conductor of electricity and in rains if power lines break and fall
into a pool of water it can become a deathtrap so be weary of them.
Avoid
walking outside during heavy rainfall.
If going
outdoors is a must, then avoid wading through water if you spot broken power
lines in water.
If you spot
broken power lines then inform K-Electric on their helpline (given above).
Avoid
touching wet electrical switches such as doorbells
Protect your
vehicle
If you
venture outside then make sure your vehicle is equipped to deal with the
torrential downpour.
Make sure
your windscreen wipers are functioning properly
The most
common reason for of vehicle breakdown is when water is sucked into the exhaust
pipe when the car goes through water. Usually connecting a high-grade piece of
pipe to make sure water does not find its way into the exhaust can make the
difference between a car stalling and running during heavy rainfall.
Keep you
headlights and hazards on high beam as visibility may get affected during the
downpour.
Adjust how
you drive according to the weather. You will have to drive slower and pay more
attention to the road than usual to avoid skidding, slipping and causing a
collision.
Depending on
your vehicles it may not be advisable to drive through water deeper than a few
inches without hydroplaning - which is when your tyres lose contact with the
road.
If your
vehicle begins to skid, do not slam the breaks, remain calm and guide your
vehicle in the direction you wish to proceed.
Protect your
home
The most
common damage to homes is done by water creeping in through open windows, leaky
roofs, skylights, and from terraces without proper drainage.
Ensure all
windows and skylights are shut properly to avoid water coming into you home.
For areas
open areas such as terraces where water may collect, including rooftops, make
sure all drainage points are unclogged so water doesn't get accumulated. If the
water is accumulated then it may find a way inside the house from under doors
and cracks.
Make sure
all open electrical wires are properly sealed. Avoid using any electrical
appliances in open areas.
If there are
trees near your house, cut of all dead branches which may cause damage if they
rip off due to strong winds and rain.
For those
people who have basements in their houses, purchase sandbags to keep the water
at bay and avoid flooding your basement. Be prepared to move furniture to
higher floors in case water does break your sandbag barriers.
Make sure
you have a stocked First Aid kit.
Stock up on
batteries and flashlights, as the power is likely to go out.
Charge your
cellphone and any devices you might need during a power breakdown.
Stock up on
essentials
While the
rainfall is unlikely to have any long term impact. It is advisable to stock up
on essentials to avoid venturing out during heavy rainfall.
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