Intermittent heavy rains over the past two days have plunged Karachi into crisis, with Malir and Lyari rivers overflowing, low-lying neighborhoods submerged, and hundreds of residents rescued by the army, Rangers, and Rescue 1122 teams.
The rains caused Karachi’s dams to overflow, inundating residential areas in Scheme 33, including Saadi Town. Major arteries such as the M-9 Motorway, Sohrab Goth, and Machar Colony were submerged, while the Malir and Lyari rivers reached record-high water levels, forcing many residents to evacuate.
Rescue teams, supported by the Pakistan Army and Rangers, have pulled hundreds of people to safety. In Saadi Town alone, 11 people—including women and children—were rescued after being trapped in floodwaters.
Mayor Wahab: “A dangerous situation”
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited affected areas, calling the situation “dangerous.” He noted that such water pressure in Malir and Lyari rivers has “never been seen before.”
“I have never seen so much water in Lyari River in my life,” Wahab told reporters, adding that more than 200 citizens have been rescued so far. He confirmed that the army was deployed at his request through the Chief Secretary.
The mayor stressed that the closure of the M-9 Motorway was necessary to protect lives and expressed hope that water levels would drop in the coming hours.
Pakistan Army and Rangers personnel, working alongside Rescue 1122 and the district administration, remain on high alert. Officials said more troops will be deployed if necessary, as flood-hit areas continue to require evacuations and relief.
Schools shut as situation worsens
All schools across Karachi were declared closed today following government notification.
The Private Schools Association had already directed schools to remain shut late Monday night due to safety concerns.
Sindh CM orders dam monitoring
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed officials to closely monitor water flow at Thado Dam, which reached dangerous levels after heavy rains. A vehicle carrying four people was swept away by floodwaters from the dam’s spillway, but all occupants were successfully rescued.
Shah stressed that the public must be kept informed of water levels to prevent further damage and loss of life.
Weather Forecast: More Rain Ahead
According to the Meteorological Department, the rain-bearing system continues to affect Sindh with depression-level intensity. More heavy rainfall is expected today, with the system likely to shift toward Balochistan’s coast by September 11.
