Monsoon Rains Expected to Lash Karachi, Risk of Urban Flooding

Weather authorities have issued warnings for Karachi, anticipating intense monsoon rains on Tuesday. The advisory includes a heightened risk of urban flooding as the coastal city confronts its tenth spell of damp weather, marked by significant rainfall and strong winds.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has indicated that Karachi should brace for intermittent moderate to heavy downpours starting Tuesday morning and continuing until late into the night.

The weather advisory specifically mentions the likelihood of “very heavy downpours” in Karachi, attributing this to a robust monsoon system that remains potent as a deep depression situated over land, specifically over Tharparkar.

A PMD representative stated that the weather system is projected to move in proximity to Karachi, cautioning that conditions in the metropolis “may remain severe.” Wind speeds could range from 60 to 70 kilometres per hour during the period of impact.

“This weather pattern is generating substantial precipitation and has the potential to unleash more than 100 millimetres of rainfall across Karachi throughout its duration,” stated Anjum Nazir, a PMD spokesperson, while also emphasizing the elevated risk of urban flooding due to the city’s deficient infrastructure.

The advisory cautions that low-lying areas face potential inundation. Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid structurally unsound buildings and remain indoors during periods of heavy rainfall.

Elsewhere in Sindh, rainfall amounts reached up to 80 millimetres during the previous wet weather episode, according to the weather service.

Karachi’s compromised drainage infrastructure is vulnerable, and recent memories of waterlogged streets and stranded commuters are still vivid.

Law enforcement is attempting to project an image of readiness, with traffic management personnel reportedly deployed to maintain traffic flow. According to a senior traffic official, resources have been allocated across various areas to avert traffic congestion, with these actions undertaken in accordance with directives from the chief minister. City administration sources suggest vehicular movement is proceeding as usual throughout Karachi.

Heightening concern, K-Electric, the city’s power provider, has announced a state of heightened alert. A company representative noted that, out of over 2,100 power feeders, fewer than 60 experienced disruptions during the prior rains. Power was deliberately shut off in some flood-prone and unauthorized areas as a safety measure.

Currently, traffic conditions in Karachi are generally stable, and power availability is mostly consistent. However, the situation will be truly tested as the first intense burst of rainfall occurs. The city is bracing, with hopes of evading another significant inundation.

According to rainfall data provided by the Met Office between 5 p.m. and 8 a.m. (Sunday to Monday), Karachi experienced light rainfall in multiple locales. Korangi recorded the highest at 8mm. Other areas included Gulshan-e-Hadeed (5mm), University Road (3mm), Gulshan-e-Memar (3.5mm), Shahrah-e-Faisal (2mm), Old Airport (2.6mm), North Karachi (1.2mm), DHA (1.5mm), Keamari (4mm), Jinnah Terminal (3mm) and Surjani Town (2mm), according to the PMD.

The Met Office anticipates intermittent heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, across Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Jamshoro, Thatta, Badin, Shaheed Benazirabad, and surrounding districts until September 10.