Karachi continues to battle chaos as heavy rainfall submerges major arteries

KARACHI: In a deluge that took Karachi by storm, heavy rainfall wreaked havoc on the city’s major arteries, leaving roads submerged and cars floating in the rising waters.

In the latest update on the heavy rainfall in Karachi, it has been reported that even after several hours, the water has not been drained, and numerous roads remain submerged, rendering travel impossible.

The downpour, which started after sunset as predicted by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), intensified rapidly across various areas, including Landhi, Korangi, DHA, Clifton, II Chundrigar Road, Tower, Keamari, Bolton Market, Saddar, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Nipa, Liaquatabad, North Nazimabad, North Karachi, and Surjani.

Rescue 1122 issued a warning to the public, urging them to avoid unnecessary travel on waterlogged roads. Emergency response teams faced difficulties navigating severe traffic jams caused by the heavy rainfall.

Despite the challenges, rescue teams were dispatched and present in various parts of the city to assist the public.

Fortunately, no reports of building collapses emerged, with only two individuals sustaining minor injuries due to a wall collapse near Kashmir Road.

The injured were promptly moved to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre for treatment.

According to data from the Met office, PAF Faisal Base recorded the highest rainfall at 75 millimetres, followed by Malir (64mm), Surjani Town (63.8mm), Keamari (55mm), Quaidabad (52mm), and other areas. The figures indicated a significant increase in rainfall after 8 p.m., with negligible precipitation recorded before that time.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab urged residents to avoid unnecessary movement, ensuring that teams were deployed to clear major roads.

Heavy rains in Karachi led to the tripping of more than 700 electricity feeders, plunging several neighbourhoods into darkness.

The intense rain, accompanied by strong gusts of wind, caused flooding on various city roads, bringing motorcycles and cars to a standstill.

The Meteorological Department had earlier predicted heavy rainfall in Karachi on February 3 and 4, which materialised with significant impact.

The city grapples with the aftermath of this unexpected deluge as authorities work tirelessly to address the challenges posed by the heavy rain.

Read next: Is PTA reducing approval charges for Samsung and Apple phones?