Intermittent light and heavy showers continued in Karachi on Monday, transforming several parts of the city into waterlogged zones. The relentless downpour not only disrupted daily life but also resulted in tragic incidents, power outages, and severe traffic chaos.

Lives Lost in Rain-Related Accidents

The heavy rains wreaked havoc across the metropolis, leading to electrocution incidents and structural collapses that claimed seven lives in a single day. In Gulistan-e-Jauhar, a wall collapse killed a woman, her two children, and another individual. Tragedy struck Orangi Town as well, where an eight-year-old boy died after a wall caved in.

Electrocution also claimed lives in North Karachi and DHA’s Khayaban-e-Bukhari. One man died inside his residence while another was fatally shocked on a street. These incidents highlighted the city’s vulnerability to rain-related hazards.

Massive Power Outages Across the City

According to authorities, nearly 800 feeders tripped, cutting electricity to around 40 percent of Karachi. Several localities, including Lyari, Saddar, Korangi, Landhi, Surjani Town, North Karachi, and Keamari, plunged into darkness as rain lashed the city.

Residents expressed frustration over extended outages, with many areas facing hours without electricity. The power breakdown compounded the difficulties of citizens already struggling with urban flooding.

Roads Submerged and Traffic in Disarray

Torrential rains left most major roads submerged, bringing traffic to a grinding halt in several parts of the city. Commuters at Jail Chowrangi found themselves stranded as cars and motorcycles broke down in deep water. At Hassan Square, fast-flowing rainwater worsened congestion, leaving residents frustrated.

Eyewitnesses reported that traffic police were largely absent from critical choke points. Long queues of vehicles stretched across Shahrah-e-Faisal, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Defence, and Nazimabad. Many citizens abandoned vehicles and continued on foot to escape the gridlock.

Urban Flooding and Overflowing Drains

Continuous downpours since morning triggered severe urban flooding. The Shadman drain overflowed, submerging surrounding roads and creating hazardous conditions for commuters. Rainwater also entered homes in Gulshan-e-Hadeed Phase I and Qaidabad, leaving residents struggling to protect their belongings.

Several neighborhoods, including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Liaquatabad, Saddar, and Federal B Area, were swamped by accumulated water. Overflowing drains exposed the city’s fragile drainage system, aggravating the crisis.

Governor Sindh Activates Emergency Measures

In response to the worsening situation, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori established a Rain Emergency Cell at Governor House. Citizens were provided a helpline (1366) for round-the-clock assistance. The governor assured that affected residents would not be left alone, promising all possible facilities during the crisis.

Tessori personally visited affected neighborhoods, assisting citizens by pushing stalled cars and helping motorcyclists navigate flooded streets. He also opened the Governor House to the public, calling it the “home of Karachi’s people” and inviting citizens to take shelter if needed.

Collapse at Sindh Secretariat

The relentless rains also damaged government infrastructure. A parking shed at the Sindh Secretariat collapsed, confirmed by Rescue 1122 officials. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the incident raised safety concerns about other vulnerable structures in the city.

Meteorological Department Forecasts More Rain

Meteorological analyst Jawad Memon warned that Karachi could experience heavy downpours for the next three to four days. He revealed that Clifton alone recorded 70 millimeters of rainfall since morning, with intensity reaching 60 millimeters per hour.

The department predicted additional spells until August 23, with most areas expected to receive 40 to 50 millimeters of rainfall. Certain pockets may see up to 100 millimeters, further straining the city’s already overwhelmed infrastructure.

Federal Assistance Sought Amid Crisis

Governor Tessori reached out to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, requesting federal support to manage the crisis. He also contacted Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and DIG Traffic, urging coordinated efforts for public safety and smoother traffic management.

With continued heavy rainfall predicted, authorities remain on high alert as Karachi braces for more challenges in the coming days.