CAA Issues Heavy Rain Alert for Karachi Airport

On Monday, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued a rain alert for Karachi Airport in anticipation of predicted rainfall in the provincial capital.

The alert involves the close surveillance of the runway and surrounding areas over the next 24 hours. It also directs small jets to be moved to safe spots, with their wings secured using weights, and addresses concerns about insects and birds on the runways due to the wet conditions.

The aviation authority has deployed additional bird shooters and is reinforcing tarmac joints with electric cables to prevent accidents during the expected downpour. Staff have been instructed to clear water drains on the runways.

This development follows a forecast by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicting increased rainfall with wind and thundershowers across several regions starting this week.

In its advisory, the PMD indicated that weak monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal are penetrating the upper and central parts of Pakistan and are expected to intensify from Monday.

A low-pressure system forming in the Bay of Bengal may impact Sindh, potentially bringing heavy rainfall to Karachi from Monday.

The Met office has urged all relevant authorities to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid any issues.