The death toll in Karachi has climbed to 17 following relentless monsoon rains that battered the city over the past two days. Intermittent downpours caused severe flooding, power outages, and widespread disruption of daily life, with more rain predicted in the coming hours.
Authorities confirmed that children and women were among the victims, while one tragic case involved a 70-year-old disabled man who drowned inside his residence after falling into accumulated rainwater.
Urban Flooding Brings Karachi to a Standstill
The torrential rains left behind a trail of devastation, with stranded vehicles, potholes, and waterlogged roads dominating the city landscape. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), 178 millimetres of rain was recorded in Gulshan-e-Hadeed and 145 millimetres on University Road within 24 hours.
Floodwaters inundated key areas including Karsaz, Malir Halt, Aram Bagh, Liaquatabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, PECHS, Old City Area, and even the Sindh High Court premises. Drainage operations were launched to clear the city’s main arteries, but several vehicles remained stuck in submerged areas.
Prolonged Power Outages Across Karachi
The heavy rainfall wreaked havoc on the city’s power infrastructure. Out of thousands of feeders impacted, around 240 remained non-functional by Wednesday, leaving vast neighborhoods in darkness. Areas without electricity for over 24 hours include Gulistan-e-Jauhar, North Nazimabad, Malir, Korangi, Orangi Town, Gadap, Sultanabad, Moinabad, DHA, and others.
Residents expressed frustration as many households struggled without electricity and access to clean drinking water.
Flight Disruptions at Jinnah International Airport
Air travel was severely affected, with multiple domestic flights canceled and international schedules delayed. Staff shortages, caused by flooded roads preventing airline and ground crew from reaching the airport, further worsened the situation.
Passengers stranded at Jinnah International Airport faced long waits, with many flights delayed indefinitely.
Closure of Sindh High Court Amid Flooding
The Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court ordered the suspension of operations in all courts across Karachi, citing dangerous conditions caused by heavy rains and flooding within court buildings. Both the principal seat and subordinate courts remained closed until further notice.
More Rain Predicted
According to the PMD, strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal continue to affect southern Pakistan. Karachi is expected to receive more showers, with the possibility of isolated heavy falls today and tomorrow. Authorities have warned of further urban flooding if the rains persist.
Karachi Braces for Challenging Days Ahead
The latest spell of Karachi monsoon rains 2025 has exposed the city’s fragile infrastructure once again, highlighting the urgent need for improved drainage systems, sustainable urban planning, and effective disaster management.
With more rainfall expected, residents are being urged to remain cautious, avoid unnecessary travel, and stay updated with weather advisories.
