The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has declared a high alert in preparation for the heavy monsoon rains forecasted to hit the city in the coming days. With the safety of port infrastructure, cargo, and personnel as the top priority, KPT has implemented a series of precautionary measures to mitigate the risks associated with the anticipated severe weather.
According to KPT officials, extensive planning has already been completed. All vessels have been safely berthed, while pilot services and tugboats are on standby to navigate ships into deeper waters if conditions worsen. To minimize risk, small boats are being secured in low-pressure zones, and essential equipment such as dredgers and barges have been tightly moored.
Special attention has been given to cargo protection. Tarpaulin sheets now cover vehicles, appliances, and other high-value goods, while empty containers are stacked only two units high to prevent them from toppling over during strong winds. Safety protocols are being enforced at container yards and terminals across the port.
Drainage systems near oil piers have been cleared, sump tanks emptied, and flashlights issued to monitor any potential gas leaks safely. The KPT engineering team has been ordered to inspect all rooftop areas, clearing them of hazardous materials and checking for leaks to prevent water ingress.
Power disruptions are another concern amid the expected stormy winds and lightning activity. Backup generators have been deployed, especially at Izhar Abbasi KPT Hospital, which is now stocked with emergency medicine and guaranteed uninterrupted electricity supply.
In addition to technical and medical preparedness, the Civil Defense Unit has been placed on alert. Volunteers, medical teams, ambulances, and portable submersible pumps are ready to respond swiftly to any emergency. Fire hydrants have been checked, and the Port Fire Officer has ensured rapid accessibility to firefighting equipment.
As Karachi braces for intense rainfall, KPT’s proactive measures reflect a comprehensive strategy aimed at maintaining safety, ensuring operational continuity, and protecting both human lives and economic assets during the monsoon season.
