Torrential monsoon rains on Tuesday left Sindh capital Karachi inundated, trapping thousands on flooded roads, as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast more rainfall over the next 24-48 hours.
The heavy rainfall—reaching a maximum of 170mm in some areas according to the PMD—flooded homes, submerged main arteries and resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people due to electrocutions, wall collapses and drowning. The flooding also highlighted the deficiencies of the metropolis’ infrastructure, with widespread power outages and disruption to mobile and internet services.
The rains, continuing intermittently throughout the day, hampered domestic and international flight operations at Jinnah International Airport, with several flights either delayed or cancelled. While authorities said they had cleared several thoroughfares by nightfall, flooding of underpasses and low-lying areas prompted the provincial government to announce a public holiday for Karachi on Wednesday (today).
While the local administration attempted to explain the devastating situation by citing “unprecedented” rainfall, PMD Deputy Director Anjum Niaz Zaigham told media that the rains had not broken any records, but was nonetheless torrential. He warned that the next two days were critical, as the Met Office has forecast more rains for Karachi and the country’s southern areas.
Speaking with Geo News on Tuesday night, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the city’s drainage was capable of handling 40mm of rainfall and the extent of the deluge had overburdened existing capacity. He urged the public to not leave their homes unnecessarily, vowing that authorities were endeavoring to restore normalcy.
P.M. Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and expressed concern over the situation in Karachi and its surrounding areas. According to a spokesman for the C.M. House, Shah had briefed the premier on relief efforts, emphasizing that drainage work had begun as soon the rain stopped. Both leaders regretted the loss of life and property, with the prime minister assuring the chief minister of federal support during the emergency.
Separately, Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori urged the federal government to assist Karachi during its time of crisis.
This year’s monsoon has been particularly intense for Pakistan. In July, several parts of Punjab were inundated, causing dozens of deaths. Last week, torrential downpours in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa devastated several districts, causing nearly 400 casualties, with dozens of people still unaccounted for.