KARACHI:
The port city endured a night of relentless rainfall as the latest spell of the monsoon swept through Karachi, leaving several low-lying areas submerged, major arteries waterlogged, and flood risks mounting around Malir and Lyari rivers.
Heaviest Showers Recorded
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Surjani Town topped the charts with 129.8mm of rain in the last 24 hours. Other areas also witnessed heavy downpours, including Gulshan-e-Maymar (93.1mm), DHA Phase VII (90mm), and North Karachi (72.2mm). Significant showers were also logged in Gulshan-e-Hadeed (69mm), Nazimabad (54mm), Korangi (55mm), Saadi Town (55.1mm), Kemari (52.2mm), and Jinnah Terminal (53mm).
Schools Closed as Flood Threat Looms
In view of the situation, the Karachi Commissioner ordered the closure of all public and private educational institutions across the division.
Thado Dam Overflow Sparks Panic
The most critical development came from Gadap Town, where the Thado Dam overflowed after hours of heavy rain. The surge of water spilled onto the M-9 Motorway, sweeping away vehicles and flooding residential settlements. A rickshaw and a van were reportedly dragged away by the current, prompting the swift arrival of Rescue 1122 and Edhi Marine Services.
The Sindh government, under Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, ordered a section of the motorway’s central barrier to be dismantled to allow water passage and restore traffic flow. Lawmakers Jam Karim and Saleem Baloch were present at the site as rescue efforts continued.
Homes Inundated, Residents Displaced
Floodwaters entered several neighborhoods, including Malir Khameeso Goth, Sohrab Goth, Machar Colony, and Khameeso Goth in New Karachi. Many families spent the night in fear as streams and drains overflowed, with some residents forced to evacuate on their own. Reports of three missing women in the flash floods added to the city’s distress.
In Scheme 33, Saadi Town, and adjoining localities, residents scrambled to protect their homes and vehicles as water levels surged late into the night.
Traffic Diversions and Road Closures
With the M-9 submerged, traffic police introduced alternative routes. Vehicles from Hyderabad bound for Karachi were diverted toward Model Road, while Karachi-bound traffic for Hyderabad was rerouted back into the city through Sabzi Mandi cut.
Power Outages and Electrocution Incidents
Despite heavy rains, K-Electric reported its transmission network largely intact, with power supplied through over 1,975 of 2,100 feeders. However, restoration work in inundated areas was hampered by standing water.
Power was restored in multiple neighborhoods, including Surjani Town, Shah Faisal Colony, Korangi, Gulistan-e-Johar, Shah Latif Town, and parts of Malir. Still, scattered outages persisted.
Tragically, three electrocution cases were reported in Ayub Goth, Khawaja Ajmer Nagri, and Shah Faisal Colony. KE clarified that preliminary investigations linked these to indoor wiring faults and attempted power theft rather than its infrastructure.
Army, Rangers Join Rescue Operations
Rescue efforts intensified overnight as Pakistan Army and Rangers joined the civil administration. Hundreds of stranded citizens were relocated from Saadi Town, Motorway M-9, and surrounding areas.
Rescue 1122 confirmed that more than 350 individuals were shifted to safer locations. In Saadi Town, 10 people trapped in rising water were rescued jointly by the Army and Rescue 1122, while operations in District Keamari led to the evacuation of another 100 residents.
In a separate incident, two people caught in a flood surge in the Lyari River near Imtiaz Super Store were safely pulled out after a tense rescue operation.
