Intermittent light and heavy rainfall continued in different parts of Karachi Monday, turning roads into ponds after continuous downpour.
Heavy rains wreaked havoc in the city, leading to electrocution incidents and house collapses that claimed 7 lives on Monday.
In Gulistan-e-Jauhar, a house wall collapsed, killing a woman and her two children along with another person. In Orangi Town, an 8-year-old boy lost his life after a wall caved in.
Meanwhile, a man died of electrocution inside his house in North Karachi, while another person was killed after receiving an electric shock on a street in DHA’s Khayaban-e-Bukhari.
According to authorities, 800 feeders trip, leaving 40 percent of Pakistan's city without power.
The heavy rain forced cancellation of several private and official events, while in Qaidabad and Gulshan-e-Hadeed Phase I, rainwater entered houses. Showers were also reported in Shahrah-e-Faisal, Airport, Model Colony, and Landhi, along with I.I. Chundrigar Road, Defence, Gulistan-e-Johar, and Nazimabad.
Torrential downpour left most roads in the city submerged, bringing traffic to a standstill across multiple areas.
At Jail Chowrangi, several cars and motorcycles broke down in the rainwater, leaving commuters stranded. Citizens faced major difficulties as vehicles stalled amid rising water levels.
The heavy rainfall also threw the traffic system into chaos, with long queues of vehicles seen on major arteries. Eyewitnesses said traffic police were nowhere to be found, forcing many citizens to abandon their vehicles and continue on foot.
Meanwhile, heavy rain at Hassan Square triggered severe traffic jams, with fast-flowing rainwater adding to commuters’ difficulties. Residents expressed frustration as the situation worsened in the area.
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Heavy rain in Karachi causes overflowing drains
Continuous heavy rain since morning has led to severe urban flooding in Karachi.
The Shadman drain overflowed, leaving surrounding roads submerged in water and causing serious difficulties for commuters.
Rain emergency cell set up at Governor House Karachi
On the directives of Sindh Governor, a rain emergency cell has been established at the Governor House to assist citizens affected by heavy rains and traffic disruptions.
According to the Governor House spokesperson, citizens can immediately contact helpline 1366 for assistance. The cell will remain operational round the clock to provide timely relief.
Governor Sindh said that affected residents will not be left alone in this difficult time and assured that all possible facilities will be provided to them.
Parking shed collapses at Sindh Secretariat
Rescue 1122 spokesperson confirmed that due to heavy rainfall, a parking shed at the Sindh Secretariat collapsed.
Meteorological analyst Jawad Memon said Karachi could face heavy downpours over the next three to four days. He noted that rain clouds continue to form over the city and showers may persist for another hour or more, with clouds moving in from the Super Highway.
According to him, Clifton alone has received 70 millimeters of rain since morning, with the rainfall intensity reaching 60 millimeters per hour.
Rainwater accumulated in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Liaquatabad, Saddar, Federal B Area, and North Karachi, among other localities.
Meanwhile, several areas plunged into darkness as power supply was suspended during the heavy showers. The affected areas included Lyari, Kharadar, Saddar, Old City Area, Garden, Korangi, Landhi, Surjani Town, New Karachi, North Karachi, Keamari, Mauripur, SITE Area, and Numaish.
Met dept had earlier forecast moderate showers with thunder in Karachi, followed by heavy rains on Tuesday and Wednesday.
It was predicted that the system, lasting until August 23, could bring two to three spells of rain across the city, with most areas receiving 40 to 50 millimeters, while some could record 70 to 80 millimeters and isolated pockets up to 100 millimeters.
Tessori seeks federal assistance, opens Governor House for citizens
Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori sprang into action as heavy rains lashed Karachi. He telephoned Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar to brief him on the situation and requested federal support to improve conditions in the city.
The governor also contacted Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and DIG Traffic, assuring them of full cooperation and urging coordinated efforts to ensure public safety and maintain traffic flow.
Tessori personally visited rain-affected areas on foot, pushing stalled cars, helping stranded motorcyclists, and assisting citizens in the downpour. He announced that the doors of the Governor House will remain open throughout the night, calling it the home of Karachi’s people and inviting citizens to take shelter.
A Rain Emergency Cell has also been established at the Governor House, which will remain operational round the clock.
