Karachi Grapples with Extensive Flooding After Torrential Rains

Karachi faced widespread inundation on Wednesday as continuous heavy monsoon rains persisted for a third day. Rivers overflowed, compelling rescue teams to evacuate hundreds of individuals to safer locations.

While standing water was cleared from key routes like Shahrah-e-Faisal, the M-9 Motorway, and the Lyari Expressway—all of which have been reopened for vehicular traffic—several areas remained submerged. A representative from the Motorway Police stated that the motorway and expressway are now free of accumulated water.

Tragically, at least four individuals perished in the Gadap River due to the intense rainfall, with the recovery of two bodies, including a woman, confirmed thus far.

The Lyari and Malir rivers experienced dangerous swelling, resulting in flooding in Saadi Garden and Saadi Town, where streets, residential areas, and vehicles were completely underwater.

The escalating levels of the Malir River also led to water reaching the Korangi Causeway. In Federal B Area and Shafi Colony, water that had entered residences from the Lyari River began to recede.

Rescue teams from Rescue 1122, PDMA, and the Pakistan Army conducted operations overnight, successfully evacuating over 350 people from the flood-affected zones. In Gadap, another body was discovered in the river, increasing the confirmed death toll to two out of the four who drowned, which includes a woman.

Sindh’s Chief Minister, Murad Ali Shah, conducted visits to Malir 15, Qayyumabad, Korangi Causeway, and Shahrah-e-Bhutto to assess the ongoing drainage operations and interact with residents in Saadi Town.

He instructed relevant organizations to accelerate the pumping of water, clarifying that water from the Lath and Thado dams had entered the city via the motorway. He assured that the situation was under control and advised against politicizing the crisis.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acknowledged the severity of the flooding and instructed the NDMA to provide support to both the Sindh government and PDMA in their relief efforts. He emphasized the critical need to prioritize the rehabilitation of affected families and conveyed his sorrow regarding the drowning incident in Gadap.

Mayor Murtaza Wahab also carried out inspections of the Jameela and Lyari pumping stations, evaluating their operational effectiveness and directing authorities to intensify their efforts to enhance the drainage infrastructure.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department indicated that the weather system over Sindh has weakened into a low-pressure area situated west of Karachi. Nevertheless, light to moderate rainfall is anticipated in Karachi Division, Jamshoro, Thatta, and Sujawal.

The department further cautioned that the River Indus at Guddu is likely to reach a very high flood level within the next 24 hours, while Sukkur is expected to reach a high flood stage within 48 hours.

The PMD reported that between September 8 and 8 am on September 10, the highest recorded rainfall occurred in Surjani Town, measuring 143.8 millimetres.

Gulshan-e-Maymar recorded 109.8mm, Gulshan-e-Hadeed 92mm, Korangi 92mm, North Karachi 81.6mm, and DHA 74.5mm.

Shahrah-e-Faisal reported 64mm, Nazimabad 60.5mm, and Saadi Town 60.2mm. University Road recorded 58.8mm, Old Airport 58.3mm, Orangi 47.2mm, Mauripur 45mm, and Jinnah Terminal 38.6mm.