Intermittent showers continued to hit Karachi on Tuesday, flooding major roads and causing traffic disruptions across the city. The heavy rain in Karachi brought relief from recent hot and humid weather but also created widespread inconvenience for residents. The rain in Karachi was both a relief and a source of disruption.
Sharah-e-Faisal, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Shah Faisal Colony, Model Colony, and areas near the airport were among the worst affected. Showers also lashed Malir Halt, Rafah-e-Aam, Surjani Town, and Korangi. Several residents reported difficulty in commuting as roads in many localities, including Gulistan-e-Jauhar, became inundated within minutes of the downpour, showcasing the challenges of rain in Karachi.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had forecast isolated showers in Karachi until August 23. With strong monsoon currents entering Sindh, the Met Office predicted thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rainfall in Karachi, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Larkana, Shikarpur, Sanghar, Badin, Thatta, and Tharparkar. Such predictions emphasize the unpredictable nature of rain in Karachi.
Read More: Karachi removes 3.24mln cubic feet of waste from drains, says Mayor
Rainfall statistics across Karachi
According to PMD data, the highest rainfall was recorded in Keamari with 29 millimetres, followed by Nazimabad at 28mm. PAF Masroor Base recorded 20mm, Gulshan-e-Hadeed 15mm, Orangi Town 12.2mm, and the airport 10.8mm. Meanwhile, Sharea Faisal saw 8mm, Saadi Town 5.1mm, University Road 5mm, Super Highway 4.8mm, and Gulshan-e-Maymar 2.4mm.
The downpour also caused a portion of Landi Kotal Chowrangi in North Nazimabad to cave in, further disrupting traffic flow. The Assistant Commissioner of North Nazimabad confirmed that higher authorities had been informed and alternative routes were being arranged by traffic police.
Power outages were also reported in several areas. K-Electric (KE) stated that supply remained active through more than 1,770 feeders out of 2,100. However, electricity was temporarily suspended in low-lying neighborhoods as a precaution. KE added that its teams were fully mobilized to restore power where needed.
In anticipation of further rainfall, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired an emergency meeting. He placed local administrations and traffic police on high alert to ensure safety and smooth movement across the city, particularly in response to the ongoing rain in Karachi.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab briefed the CM on drainage improvement efforts at 44 major choking points, with desilting operations underway across nearly 150 drains. Authorities have been directed to minimize disruption and protect citizens as monsoon showers continue.
