KARACHI: Torrential monsoon rains battered Karachi on Tuesday, leaving at least seven people dead in rain-related incidents as large parts of the city were submerged, crippling traffic, disrupting power supply, and causing widespread chaos.
Rainfall and Flooding
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), heavy downpours lashed various localities. The highest rainfall was recorded in Saadi Town (176mm) and Gulshan-e-Hadeed (170mm).
Rainfall Statistics in Karachi (as of Tuesday evening)
| Area | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| Saadi Town | 176 |
| Gulshan-e-Hadeed | 170 |
| Nazimabad | 175.6 |
| Airport Old Area | 158.5 |
| Jinnah Terminal | 153 |
| Surjani Town | 145.2 |
| Keamari | 140 |
| DHA Phase VII | 134 |
| University Road | 133 |
| Korangi | 132.2 |
| North Karachi | 108.4 |
| Gulshan-e-Memar | 98 |
| PAF Faisal Base | 128 |
| PAF Masroor Base | 87 |
| Orangi Town | 66–68 |
| Bahria Town | 4.8 |
Flooding was reported in Shahrah-e-Faisal, University Road, II Chundrigar Road, Nagan Chowrangi, Liaquatabad, Malir Expressway and several residential neighbourhoods.
Lives Lost
Rescue 1122 confirmed at least seven fatalities:
- Four family members died after a wall collapsed in Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 12.
- An eight-year-old boy was killed in Orangi Town.
- A man died of electrocution in North Karachi.
- Another man was burnt to death, while two others sustained critical injuries, after a short-circuit triggered fire at a petrol pump in Malir.
Bodies and the injured were shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and other facilities.
Power & Internet Outages
- K-Electric said over 800 feeders were shut down for safety, while restoration was hampered by stagnant floodwater.
- Internet services collapsed as PTCL and Ufone networks faced major disruptions. Monitoring group Netblocks reported Pakistan’s connectivity dropped to just 20% of normal levels.
Emergency Response
- Mayor Murtaza Wahab enforced a rain emergency; civic and rescue teams placed on high alert.
- Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah ordered strict monitoring of drains, mobilised local bodies and traffic police, and urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel.
- Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori briefed Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, seeking federal assistance.
- Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah directed all deputy commissioners to remain in the field with their teams.
Traffic Chaos
Traffic came to a standstill on Shahrah-e-Faisal, University Road, MA Jinnah Road, Liaquat Road, Gurumandir, Bilawal Chowrangi and other key arteries.
Mobile workshops were deployed to help stranded vehicles. The Traffic Police helpline 1915 was activated for public guidance.
Schools Closed
The Sindh Education Department announced that all schools in Karachi will remain closed on Wednesday due to the rain emergency.
Weather Forecast
The PMD forecast intermittent heavy rains in Karachi and southern Sindh until August 22, warning of:
- Urban flooding in Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas.
- Flash floods in parts of Balochistan, including Gwadar, Lasbella, Khuzdar, and Panjgur.
Authorities and residents have been advised to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures.
