Monsoon Rains Continue to Submerge Karachi

Residents of Karachi experienced another spell of early morning rainfall on Thursday, marking the fourth consecutive day of monsoon showers. The persistent rains have led to widespread submersion, overflowing rivers, and the displacement of numerous individuals throughout the city.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has indicated that light rain and drizzle are likely to persist over the next 24 hours, with partly cloudy and humid weather anticipated for the metropolis.

Light to moderate rainfall occurred in various areas, including MA Jinnah Road, II Chundrigar Road, Clifton, University Road, and Gulistan-e-Jauhar. These showers briefly dampened the roads, exacerbating the city’s already saturated environment.

These recent showers follow three days of heavy downpours from September 8 to 10, which caused significant disruption across the city. This earlier period brought urban flooding, infrastructural damage, and several unfortunate deaths.

During the preceding three days, intense rainfall led the Lyari and Malir rivers, along with other smaller waterways, to exceed their banks. This resulted in the inundation of low-lying communities and the initiation of urgent rescue operations.

In certain areas, residential properties were infiltrated by water, leading to the displacement of hundreds of inhabitants. Rescue teams, including Rescue 1122, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), evacuated over 350 individuals from the areas most affected by the flooding.

Multiple drowning fatalities were reported in the city due to the overflowing Gadap River, and the search for missing persons is ongoing.

Data from the Met Office indicates that Surjani Town experienced the highest rainfall, with a total of 143.8 millimetres recorded between September 8 and 10. Other notable measurements include Gulshan-e-Maymar (109.8mm), Gulshan-e-Hadeed (92mm), Korangi (92mm), North Karachi (81.6mm), and DHA (74.5mm). Sharea Faisal received 64mm, while Nazimabad, Saadi Town, and University Road also recorded substantial rainfall.

While water has been drained from major routes such as Sharea Faisal, the M-9 Motorway, and Lyari Expressway, allowing them to reopen to traffic, several other areas continue to experience waterlogging.

The PMD has communicated that the weather pattern responsible for the heavy rainfall in Karachi has now dissipated, reducing the likelihood of further intense downpours.

The depression situated over the North Arabian Sea has shifted westward over the last six hours and is presently located approximately 110 kilometres east-southeast of Pasni, having moved away from Karachi. The Met Office stated on Wednesday that this system is projected to diminish into a low-pressure area within the subsequent 12 hours.