Karachi continues to reel under torrential monsoon rains, with streets and homes submerged for the third day in a row. Overflowing rivers, dangerous water levels, and widespread inundation have displaced hundreds of families, prompting urgent rescue operations across the metropolis.
Rising Rivers Flood Neighbourhoods
Heavy rainfall caused the Lyari and Malir rivers to overflow, sending floodwaters into Saadi Garden and Saadi Town. Entire lanes, neighbourhoods, and vehicles were submerged, leaving residents stranded. The rising Malir River also spilled onto the Korangi Causeway, while water from the Lyari River entered homes in Federal B Area and Shafi Colony before gradually receding.
Rescue Operations Underway
Rescue 1122, Pakistan Army units, and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) carried out overnight operations. More than 350 residents were evacuated from affected areas. Tragically, at least four people drowned in Gadap River during the downpour. Two bodies, including that of a woman, have been recovered, while searches for others continue.
Government Response
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah personally inspected Malir 15, Qayyumabad, Korangi Causeway, and Shahrah-e-Bhutto. He directed officials to accelerate drainage operations and explained that water from Lath and Thado dams had entered Saadi Town via the motorway. While assuring citizens the situation was under control, he urged critics not to politicize the crisis.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also took notice of the situation, instructing the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to assist PDMA and Sindh authorities in relief efforts. He emphasized that rehabilitation of flood-affected families must remain the top priority. The premier also expressed grief over the drowning incident in Gadap.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab inspected key pumping stations at Jameela and Lyari. He instructed authorities to intensify efforts to improve drainage capacity and restore normalcy in affected areas.
Meteorological Forecast
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the weather system over Sindh has weakened into a low-pressure zone west of Karachi. However, light to moderate rain is still expected in Karachi, Jamshoro, Thatta, and Sujawal.
The department also issued a serious warning: the River Indus at Guddu is likely to reach very high flood levels within 24 hours, while Sukkur is expected to face high flood conditions in the next 48 hours.
Rainfall Statistics
Between September 8 and September 10, Karachi received heavy rainfall across multiple areas:
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Surjani Town: 143.8 mm (highest)
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Gulshan-e-Maymar: 109.8 mm
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Gulshan-e-Hadeed: 92 mm
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Korangi: 92 mm
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North Karachi: 81.6 mm
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DHA: 74.5 mm
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Shahrah-e-Faisal: 64 mm
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Nazimabad: 60.5 mm
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Saadi Town: 60.2 mm
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University Road: 58.8 mm
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Old Airport: 58.3 mm
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Orangi: 47.2 mm
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Mauripur: 45 mm
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Jinnah Terminal: 38.6 mm
The Karachi floods of 2025 highlight the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and inadequate drainage infrastructure. With overflowing rivers, displaced families, and warnings of further flooding along the Indus, authorities are racing against time to mitigate damage and provide relief.
As heavy rains continue to threaten lives and livelihoods, coordinated action between local, provincial, and federal institutions remains critical for both immediate recovery and long-term resilience.
