Karachi Grapples with Floodwaters Despite Public Holiday

Karachi is struggling with severe urban flooding after days of torrential rainfall, and the Sindh government’s declaration of a public holiday has offered minimal relief to residents facing immense difficulties.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah voiced disapproval of people leaving their residences despite cautions to remain inside; conversely, numerous individuals expressed they were obligated to go outside for employment purposes.

A number of governmental institutions on II Chundrigar Road, the city’s central financial district, remained operational, requiring staff to attend work despite the inundated roadways.

The lack of synergy between the federal and provincial administrations intensified the disarray, as many federal agencies within the city did not announce a holiday. For numerous daily wage earners, mechanics, and laborers, the choice to leave their homes stemmed from absolute necessity rather than defiance.

Voices from the Streets
  • “I work as a motorcycle mechanic, and I am out here because I need to make a living,” stated a man operating an impromptu repair service on a sidewalk. “People are likely out to earn a livelihood. As a mechanic, I endeavor to assist them in starting their motorcycles.”
  • A young man navigating through the flooded streets responded bluntly: “People are heading to their workplaces to earn money and acquire food. What other reason could there be?”

Despite warnings that Wednesday’s rainfall would surpass that of Tuesday, which had brought Karachi to a standstill and stranded people on roads for extended durations, people were out working.

Daily laborers articulated their predicament with stark clarity.

  • “I am a laborer. Obviously, I can only earn if I am working. I cannot obtain necessities while remaining at home; I am not affluent,” one worker declared.
  • Another individual lamented that their federally governed company had declined to close: “We only receive time off when the federal government makes an announcement.”

For many, the urgency of survival overshadowed the danger of venturing into the deluged streets. Citizens communicated that their departure was not voluntary, but rather compelled by the need to sustain their families, amidst rising apprehensions regarding forecasts of additional rainfall today.

The number of fatalities resulting from rain-related occurrences in Karachi has climbed to 17, in the wake of intermittent rainfall that has battered the city since the previous day. The port city experienced increased monsoon showers during the nighttime hours.