Karachi weather: Water accumulates on major highways after rain

KARACHI: Residents and commuters in Karachi are facing significant disruption caused by accumulation of rainwater on most of its major highways and roads following rainy weather on Friday.

Areas severely affected include MA Jinnah Road, Saddar, and the vicinity of the Arts Council of Pakistan.

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Heavy rainfall has also caused extensive flooding around Gulistan-e-Johar, Rado Bakery, Johar Mor, and University Road.

The situation is particularly problematic at Nagan Chowrangi, where water has collected extensively, creating considerable difficulties for commuters.

Many vehicles, including motorcycles and cars, have been stranded due to the standing water.

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The stranded rainwater disrupted traffic flow and has become a huge source of inconvenience for the residents.

Local authorities said they were working to address the issue and alleviate the impact on daily travel and transportation.

On Wednesday alone, Karachi received 55 mililitre (mm) of rain, with the weather forecast predicting an additional 150 mm to 200 mm over the next three days.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department warned of urban and pluvial flooding in Karachi, with residents advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

The Met Office reported that Karachi will experience relatively cool temperatures owning to massive rains, with highest temperature at 29 degree Celsius. However, the humidity level will hover around 92 per cent, causing significant discomfort for 20 million residents.

The residents of the provincial capital are also worried as threats of cyclone Asna loom large. A meteorologist from the PMD commented that such phenomena was rare for this time of year.

The cyclonic activity is attributed to a deep depression in the Rann of Kutch, India, about 270 kilometres northeast of Karachi.

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The intensification of the depression into a cyclonic storm is due to the atmospheric conditions surrounding it. Deep depressions over warm ocean waters, combined with favourtable wind patterns and moisture, can often escalate into cyclones.