Karachi Flooded, Eight Dead in Heavy Monsoon Rains

News Desk

Islamabad: The southern parts of the country, including Karachi, which had previously escaped the worst of the monsoon rains, were hit hard on Tuesday by heavy downpours that wreaked havoc across the provincial capital. The severe rainfall caused at least eight fatalities, flooded major roads, submerged underpasses, and brought daily life to a standstill.

The rain started in the morning and persisted, with only brief pauses, until after sunset.

Karachi’s fragile infrastructure struggled under the strain as traffic came to a halt, drainage systems failed, and power outages spread. At least eight people died due to rain-related incidents, including electrocutions and collapsing concrete structures. The city’s aging water pipes and sewer systems were overwhelmed by the deluge, leaving many commuters stranded in rising waters during rush hour and plunging several neighborhoods into darkness.

The rains are expected to continue until Saturday, with another spell forecast by the end of the month, according to NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik.

The Met Office reported that, as of 8 pm, Saadi Town recorded the highest rainfall at 176 millimeters, followed by Gulshan-i-Hadeed with 173 mm, Airport Old Area 158.7 mm, Jinnah Terminal 152.8 mm, Nazimabad 149.6 mm, Surjani Town 145.2 mm, Keamari 140 mm, Defence Housing Authority Phase VII 134 mm, University Road 133 mm, PAF Base Faisal 128 mm, North Karachi 108.4 mm, Korangi 132.2 mm, Gulshan-i-Maymar 98 mm, PAF Masroor Base 87 mm, Orangi Town 66.2 mm, and Bahria Town 4.8 mm.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah declared a public holiday for all provincial government, semi-government, autonomous, and private institutions on Wednesday. Schools will also remain closed, though essential services and civic institutions will continue to operate.

The situation led to a phone conversation between the Sindh Chief Minister and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which they discussed the rainfall’s aftermath and reviewed relief efforts.

In Balochistan, heavy rains have also affected 15 districts, and the main highway linking the province with Sindh has been blocked for heavy vehicles, according to provincial disaster official Muhammad Younis. Between 40 and 50 houses have been damaged in two districts.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast torrential rains for Sindh and parts of Balochistan over the coming days, warning of possible urban flooding, flash floods, and infrastructure damage.

Strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal continue to affect the country, particularly the southern regions.

In Sindh, heavy rain, wind, and thunderstorms with intense downpours are expected in Mithi, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Karachi, Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sanghar, and Jamshoro. Scattered rainfall is also likely in Sukkur, Larkana, Khairpur, and Jacobabad from August 19 to 22, with occasional breaks.

In Balochistan, rain, wind, and thunderstorms with scattered heavy showers are forecast in Barkhan, Musakhel, Loralai, Sibbi, Zhob, Qilla Saifullah, Khuzdar, Lasbela, Awaran, Kech, Gwadar, and Panjgur during the same period.

Meanwhile, lighter rain and thunderstorms are expected in parts of Islamabad, Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, northern Punjab (including Rawalpindi, Murree, Gujranwala, Sialkot, and Lahore), southern Punjab (including Dera Ghazi Khan, Multan, and Rajanpur), and various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from August 19 to 22.

The PMD has cautioned that heavy rains could cause urban flooding in low-lying areas of Sindh, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Badin, Sajawal, and surrounding districts. In Balochistan, heavy downpours may trigger flash floods in northern and southeastern areas.

Strong winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning may damage fragile structures, such as the roofs of vulnerable mud-brick houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels. The department has advised the public, travelers, and tourists to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary exposure in vulnerable areas, and stay updated with the latest weather alerts.

Authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid any emergencies.