Karachi Grapples with Power Outages and Flooding After Torrential Rain

Following severe downpours that caused urban flooding and tragically resulted in at least ten fatalities in Karachi, numerous areas of the city are still facing power outages. Lingering water accumulation is impeding traffic on key routes, and further heavy rainfall is anticipated.

Despite the passage of over 16 hours since the rainfall abated, electricity has not been fully restored in various localities, including Gulistan-e-Jauhar Blocks 7, 13, and 18, Mehmoodabad, Akhtar Colony, Manzoor Colony, Defence View, and Malir Alamgir Society.

K-Electric, the sole power provider for the city, stated that its personnel were actively working throughout the period of heavy rain, and power was intentionally shut off only in situations where it was necessary for safety reasons.

The utility company explained, “Restoration initiatives proceeded continuously, despite widespread waterlogging and congestion. Areas with significant amounts of standing water, particularly those in low-lying regions, were severely affected due to limited accessibility and potential risks to both residents and our personnel.”

Significant roadways, such as Tower, II Chundrigar Road, the vicinity of FTC, the PAF Museum on Sharea Faisal, and Safoora located on University Road, continue to be affected by standing rainwater.

Furthermore, water has collected in key areas like Karachi’s Red Zone, Shaheen Complex, MR Kayani Road near the Arts Council, and Ziauddin Ahmed Road. As a result, a section of Dr. Ziauddin Ahmed Road has been closed since the previous day, and the Drigh Road and Nazimabad underpasses are also still inaccessible.

The Aiwan-e-Sadr Road close to the Governor House is also submerged. Additional impacted locations encompass Kharadar, MA Jinnah Road, Bolton Market, and Jamia Sindh Madrasatul Islam.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab told the media that while the major thoroughfares were largely cleared following the rains, efforts to remove water are ongoing in several areas that are still experiencing waterlogging.

He stated, “Work to drain the accumulated rainwater is still being carried out,” and emphasized that the city had received more than 235mm of rain, which greatly surpassed its drainage capability of only 40mm.

Wahab mentioned that 3.024 million cubic feet of debris have been taken out of storm drains thus far, which has facilitated water flow and improved drainage throughout the city.

While acknowledging the shortcomings of the drainage infrastructure, he emphasized the necessity for sustainable solutions. The mayor commented, “Fundamental measures are needed to increase drainage capacity, but these encounter opposition from locals because they require land, which makes the task challenging.”

He further noted, “Although traffic is moving, it is slower in areas where water remains on the sides of the roads. The general situation has improved from earlier today.”

The mayor also verified that complaints had been made regarding power disruptions in numerous areas.

Power supply has been disrupted to more than 550 feeders throughout Karachi, and certain areas have been without power for as long as 16 hours.

A K-Electric representative stated that electricity is presently being supplied through over 1,550 of the city’s 2,100 feeders. The representative clarified that the extensive rainfall has led to the inundation of numerous roads, thereby impeding fuel deliveries and limiting access for repair teams.

However, residents reported that despite the rain stopping several hours prior, K-Electric teams had not yet arrived to restore power in their localities, leaving citizens feeling frustrated and helpless.