Devastating monsoon rains have caused widespread flooding in Karachi, Pakistan, leaving at least 10 people dead and thousands stranded.
The Sindh government declared a public holiday for August 20th as the city braces for more heavy rainfall.
The downpour, which began early Tuesday morning, inundated numerous neighborhoods, with rainwater entering homes in areas including Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Korangi Crossing, Liaquatabad, Baldia Town, Rafah-e-Aam, and Shah Faisal Colony.
In some areas like Malir and North Karachi, water levels reached four feet, forcing residents to abandon their vehicles and wade through flooded streets.Major arteries like Sharea Faisal, University Road, and II Chundrigar Road were brought to a standstill by the flooding. Numerous vehicles broke down, creating long traffic jams.
The rains also caused a sinkhole to form on one road.At least three people drowned in a stormwater drain near Guru Mandir, while others perished in wall collapses and electrocution incidents.
The death toll stands at 10, with the possibility of further casualties.The heavy rains also severely disrupted flight operations at Jinnah International Airport, resulting in the cancellation of eight flights and the delay of 20 others. Several inbound flights were diverted to other cities.
Power outages affected several areas, along with disruptions to internet and mobile services. The highest rainfall was recorded in Gulshan-e-Hadeed (170mm).Authorities, including Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, have implemented the Rain Emergency Plan, working to clear water from roads and low-lying areas. However, the city’s drainage system, overwhelmed by over 235mm of rainfall (exceeding its 40mm capacity), struggled to cope.
Mayor Wahab acknowledged shortcomings in the system and promised improvements.The Met Office has warned of more heavy rain in the coming days, raising concerns about further flooding. Governor Kamran Tessori established a rain emergency cell at the Governor’s House, providing a helpline (1366) for assistance.
Despite efforts, significant flooding persisted in the Red Zone, even 14 hours after the rain began.The widespread flooding and devastation in Karachi are part of a larger national crisis. Monsoon rains across Pakistan have resulted in at least 660 deaths and widespread damage. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has reported the highest number of casualties (392).
