Karachi Paralyzed by Torrential Rains and Flooding

Sustained rainfall from Tuesday into Wednesday triggered widespread disruption in Karachi, as overflowing drains and streams inundated numerous localities, effectively bringing the city to a standstill.

The deluge confined residents to their residences, created substantial water accumulation on vital roads, disrupted traffic and everyday activities, and prompted large-scale rescue and aid initiatives by municipal authorities.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) indicated that the ongoing monsoon conditions are expected to persist for an additional 24 hours. The maximum temperature is forecast to range between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels at 92%. Southeasterly winds were recorded at approximately 15 kilometres per hour on Wednesday morning.

The escalating water levels in Thado Dam, due to continuous rainfall, led to inundation adjacent to the M-9 Motorway near Jamali Bridge. Officials initially confirmed that the water had reached the roadway. They later clarified that the overflow originated from the Lath River, not the dam itself.

Responding to the crisis, the Karachi commissioner deployed teams under the directives of the chief secretary. Authorities also dismantled a segment of the motorway’s central divider to facilitate water drainage, following instructions from Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who also mandated the swift clearing of the route to reinstate traffic circulation.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, after assessing the waterlogged conditions at Nagan Chowrangi, reported the deployment of rescue teams citywide and the establishment of four emergency shelters. He verified that over 200 individuals had been successfully evacuated from the impacted zones.

Rescue 1122 stated that they had rescued 15 children, one elderly man, and four women thus far, with operations ongoing in areas surrounding the Lyari and Malir rivers.

Several areas, including FB Area, Shafiq Colony, Essa Nagri, Nasar Basti, Sohrab Goth, Hasan Nauman Colony, Machhar Colony, Lassi Para, and Yaar Mohammad Goth, reported water intrusion into homes due to overflowing waterways, leaving many residents stranded.

Despite reports of flooding in Saadi Town, the mayor dismissed them as false information circulating on social media. However, footage depicted the area submerged in water earlier in the day.

Surjani Town, which experienced 130 millimetres of rainfall, was among the hardest-hit areas, followed by North Karachi (55mm), Nazimabad (54mm), Gulshan-e-Hadeed (52mm), and other regions, while University Road recorded the least rainfall at 10mm.

Traffic authorities closed the Korangi Causeway and several connecting roads, including Godam Chowrangi to Mehmoodabad, due to the strong currents from the Malir River, redirecting traffic towards Jam Sadiq Bridge and Qayyumabad. Furthermore, a segment of road from Teen Hatti to Guru Mandir caved in due to defective sewage infrastructure, adding to the disruption.

The Karachi commissioner announced the closure of all educational institutions on Wednesday. Dow University Hospital also postponed all examinations scheduled for the day, with revised dates to be announced later.

Officials indicated that water levels in rivers and streams were gradually receding, with reduced flow from the Kirthar Range. The water level at the Malir River bridge on M-9 decreased from 12 feet to 8 feet, and authorities anticipate the situation to stabilize a few hours after the cessation of rainfall.