Heavy rainfall on Friday morning caused severe flooding across Karachi, turning roads into rivers and disrupting life in the city. The downpour exposed once again the city’s poor drainage system and weak urban planning.
Major Areas Affected
Flooding after heavy rain hit several key neighborhoods, including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, PECHS, Korangi, Saddar, and North Karachi. Main arteries such as Sharae Faisal and MA Jinnah Road were completely submerged, bringing traffic to a standstill.
In Gulistan-e-Johar, dozens of vehicles broke down as floodwater made streets impassable. Residents said that despite early warnings, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and Water Board failed to clear storm drains before the monsoon showers began.
Residents’ Struggles
Many residents spent hours removing floodwater from their homes and shops. In Gulshan Town, people used buckets and pumps to clear their houses. Others sought shelter with relatives.
A shopkeeper lamented, “The flooding after heavy rain has destroyed my goods. Every year this happens, and authorities never take real action.”
Videos shared on social media showed citizens wading through knee-deep water while cars floated in submerged streets.
Read more: Torrential Rains Flood Karachi Streets Leaving Multiple Dead
Government and KMC Response
The Sindh government and KMC deployed emergency teams to several districts. Karachi Administrator Murtaza Wahab said water pumps were working across the city but blamed plastic waste for blocking drains.
Opposition leaders, however, criticized the administration. They said the flooding after heavy rain exposed years of corruption and mismanagement in Karachi’s civic system.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued a warning that more rainfall is expected in the next 48 hours. Citizens were urged to stay indoors during heavy showers.
Transport and Power Disruptions
Public transport services were heavily affected. Several bus routes were canceled, while ride-hailing services temporarily stopped operations.
KElectric suspended power in flooded areas such as Malir, Orangi Town, and Landhi for safety reasons. Restoration work was delayed due to submerged transformers and ongoing rain.
Health and Safety Concerns
Experts warned that stagnant water could trigger outbreaks of dengue, malaria, and gastroenteritis. Contaminated water mixed with sewage has created serious hygiene risks, especially in low-lying areas.
Doctors advised citizens to avoid contact with floodwater and to boil water before drinking.
Reactions on Social Media
The flooding after heavy rain became a top trend on social media platforms like X and Instagram. Citizens expressed frustration, using hashtags such as #KarachiRain and #UrbanFlooding.
Some users jokingly called Karachi the “Venice of Pakistan,” while others demanded long-term solutions to the city’s recurring flood problem.
Government’s Next Steps
Officials have announced plans to review drainage and flood management projects. The Sindh government said preventive measures will be taken to reduce flooding in future monsoon seasons.
Rescue teams from Edhi Foundation and Chhipa are currently helping stranded residents and distributing clean drinking water.
Conclusion
The flooding after heavy rain in Karachi once again revealed the city’s fragile infrastructure and poor planning. Until a modern drainage system is implemented, citizens fear that such urban flooding will continue to return with every monsoon.
