Urban Flooding, Electrocutions, and Infrastructure Collapse Cripple the Metropolis
KARACHI — Heavy monsoon rains battered Karachi on Monday, leaving a trail of devastation across the city. At least seven people lost their lives in incidents of electrocution and house collapses, while much of the metropolis was plunged into darkness due to widespread power failures.
Authorities confirmed that 800 power feeders tripped, cutting off electricity to nearly 40% of Karachi. The downpour, which began early in the day and continued intermittently, submerged roads, overwhelmed the drainage system, and paralyzed the city’s traffic network.
In Gulistan-e-Jauhar, a tragic wall collapse killed a woman, her two children, and another family member. In Orangi Town, an 8-year-old boy died when a wall gave way due to persistent rainfall. Electrocution claimed two more lives — one man was found dead in North Karachi, and another in DHA’s Khayaban-e-Bukhari after coming into contact with live wires.
Several areas, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, Airport, Model Colony, Landhi, Defence, Nazimabad, and I.I. Chundrigar Road, saw significant waterlogging. In Qaidabad and Gulshan-e-Hadeed Phase I, rainwater seeped into homes, displacing residents. Major roads resembled rivers, with stranded commuters abandoning stalled vehicles. At Jail Chowrangi and Hassan Square, heavy flooding brought traffic to a halt, with no visible assistance from traffic authorities.
Overflowing Drains and Emergency Response
In Shadman, an overflowing storm drain submerged nearby roads, exacerbating urban flooding. Amid the chaos, a parking shed at the Sindh Secretariat collapsed, confirmed Rescue 1122, though no injuries were reported in that incident.
To address the escalating crisis, Governor Sindh ordered the formation of a rain emergency cell at Governor House Karachi. Citizens can now call helpline 1366 for immediate assistance. The cell will operate 24/7 to coordinate relief efforts and help affected residents. The governor assured the public that those impacted will not be left without support.
More Rain Expected Over the Coming Days
According to meteorological analyst Jawad Memon, Karachi is expected to receive further heavy rains over the next three to four days, with rain clouds continuing to build over the city. He warned of possible rain intensity peaking at 60 mm per hour, particularly in coastal areas like Clifton, which recorded 70 mm of rain in just a few hours.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) earlier forecast moderate to heavy showers for Karachi from Monday through Wednesday, predicting 2–3 spells of rain across most city areas. Some neighborhoods may receive up to 100 mm of rainfall before the system weakens around August 23.
Dozens of localities, including Lyari, Saddar, Korangi, SITE Area, Keamari, Surjani Town, North Karachi, and New Karachi, were plunged into darkness as rain disrupted electricity infrastructure.
