Torrential Rains Kill 17 in Karachi, Trigger Widespread Flooding

Karachi was hit again by heavy monsoon rains on Wednesday night, a day after severe flooding caused widespread disruption across the city. The death toll from rain-related incidents has now risen to 17 since Tuesday.

The effects of the flooding remain visible throughout Karachi, with vehicles stranded on major roads and numerous potholes disrupting traffic flow. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that Gulshan-e-Hadeed received 178 millimeters of rain, while University Road recorded 145 millimeters in the past 24 hours.

Efforts to clear blocked drains and roads continued throughout the day, focusing on key areas such as Karsaz and Malir Halt, where many vehicles were still stuck. Rainwater also inundated parts of the Old City Area, Aram Bagh, Sindh High Court, Liaquatabad, and University Road, causing further difficulties for residents and commuters.

Police confirmed that among the casualties were children and a woman. In a tragic incident, a 70-year-old disabled man was found dead inside his home in PECHS after reportedly falling from his bed into accumulated rainwater.

The city’s power supply situation worsened, with 2,000 feeders restored but 240 remaining offline. This has left many neighborhoods, including Gulistan-e-Jauhar, North Nazimabad, Malir, Korangi, Orangi Town, Liaquatabad, Gadap, Bin Qasim, PECHS, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Sultanabad, Moinabad, and DHA, without electricity. Some areas have been in the dark for more than 24 hours.

Flight operations at Jinnah International Airport were severely affected, with numerous domestic flights canceled due to airline and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) staff being unable to reach their duty stations because of the flooding. International flights also faced delays, adding to the travel disruptions.

Due to the worsening situation, the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court ordered the closure of all courts in Karachi, including the main seat and subordinate courts, to ensure the safety of staff and the public.

The PMD has indicated that strong monsoon currents from the Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal continue to impact southern Pakistan. More showers, including isolated heavy rainfall, are expected in Karachi today and tomorrow, raising fears of fresh urban flooding and additional challenges for the already battered city.