Karachi Rain Brings Relief but Leaves Roads Flooded

KARACHI: Intermittent Karachi rain continued to lash different parts of the metropolis on Tuesday, leaving roads inundated and causing major traffic disruptions. The sudden downpour brought temporary relief from the scorching heat, but residents quickly faced the challenges of flooded streets, road cave-ins, and electricity outages across the city.

Roads Inundated Across the Metropolis

Several key arteries, including Shahra-e-Faisal, II Chundrigar Road, Shah Faisal Colony, and Model Colony, were submerged in water. Rainfall was also reported in Malir Halt, Rafah-e-Aam, Surjani Town, and Korangi. The areas near the airport and surrounding residential neighborhoods witnessed heavy water accumulation, making it difficult for commuters to reach their destinations.

A resident of Gulistan-e-Jauhar lamented, “With just a little amount of rain, the road outside my house has been inundated and I can’t commute to my office.” Similar complaints echoed across the city as morning showers left many thoroughfares waterlogged.

PMD Forecasts More Showers

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had already forecast isolated showers in Karachi till August 23, warning that strong monsoon currents would bring rain, thunderstorms, and moderate to heavy downpours across Sindh.

According to PMD data, Keamari received the highest rainfall at 29 millimeters, followed by Nazimabad with 28mm, while PAF Masroor Base recorded 20mm. Other areas also saw significant rainfall, including Gulshan-e-Hadeed (15mm), Orangi Town (12.2mm), and the airport zone (10.8mm). Shahra-e-Faisal, Saadi Town, and Gulshan-e-Maymar received lighter rainfall but still faced water accumulation issues.

Road Cave-in and Traffic Disruptions

In North Nazimabad, part of Landi Kotal Chowrangi caved in following the rain, leading to major traffic disruptions. Residents complained that no repair work had begun, while the Assistant Commissioner North Nazimabad assured that higher authorities had been informed and traffic police directed to provide alternate routes.

Meanwhile, long traffic jams were reported on Shahra-e-Faisal and other key roads as vehicles struggled to move through rainwater. Motorcyclists and pedestrians faced the most difficulty, with some reporting minor accidents caused by slippery roads.

Power Outages Add to Residents’ Woes

The downpour also triggered electricity outages in several areas. However, K-Electric (KE) stated that power supply remained active from more than 1,770 of its 2,100 feeders. A spokesperson added that power was deliberately suspended in low-lying and waterlogged areas as a precautionary measure.

“Field staff is fully mobilized to restore power where required,” KE assured, while urging citizens to avoid using electrical appliances in flooded areas.

Government on High Alert

Anticipating the monsoon rains, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah chaired an emergency meeting a day earlier to review preparations. He directed local governments, administration, and traffic police to remain on high alert and ensure smooth coordination during heavy showers.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab briefed the meeting about efforts to improve the city’s drainage system. He said de-silting work was underway at 44 critical choke points and around 150 drains across the city to ensure rainwater could flow without obstruction.

The CM instructed officials to minimize disruption, maintain emergency services, and ensure public safety during the rainfall spell.

Rain Havoc Across Pakistan

Karachi is not the only city facing the monsoon’s impact. Heavy rains have wreaked havoc across Pakistan, with the death toll from rain-related incidents climbing to 660. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported the highest number of fatalities at 392, followed by Punjab with 164, Gilgit Baltistan with 32, Sindh with 29, Balochistan with 20, Azad Jammu and Kashmir with 15, and Islamabad with eight.

Among the victims were 394 men, 95 women, and 171 children. Nationwide, 935 people have been injured, with Punjab recording the highest number of casualties.