Seven Dead as Heavy Rains Batter Karachi for Second Day

KARACHI: Torrential rains once again lashed the metropolis on Wednesday, compounding the chaos from the previous day’s deluge that killed at least seven people and left large parts of the city inundated.

According to provincial government spokesperson Abdul Wahid Halepoto, the fatalities since Tuesday were caused by drowning, electrocution, road accidents and building collapse.

Fresh downpours were reported in Mehmoodabad, Shah Faisal Colony, Saddar, MA Jinnah Road, Frere Hall, PECHS, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Korangi and Defence. Despite several hours passing since Tuesday’s spell, rainwater still remained on key arteries including Aiwan-e-Sadr Road, Ziauddin Ahmed Road, Guru Mandir, Numaish, Sindh Assembly and multiple underpasses.

Mayor Murtaza Wahab said Karachi had received 245 millimetres of rain in four to five hours on Tuesday, overwhelming a drainage system designed to cope with only 40mm. He urged residents to stay indoors and avoid Shaheed-e-Millat Road, where drainage work was under way.

Power outages continued in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Korangi, Mehmoodabad, Defence View and other areas. K-Electric said restoration efforts were hampered by waterlogging, though most feeders had been re-energised within eight to 12 hours.

Security forces, including army and Rangers personnel, were deployed to assist rescue efforts, move stalled vehicles, and restore traffic flow. Residents in Korangi, Liaquatabad and industrial zones reported stranded trailers and abandoned cars.

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The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded between 80mm and 178mm of rainfall in different parts of the city, the heaviest near the airport since 1979. A red alert was issued, warning of more heavy showers in the coming days.

The rains disrupted flights, train services, mobile phone networks and electricity, while many schools remained closed for a second consecutive day. “We are using all our resources to clear roads and restore utilities,” Mayor Wahab told reporters.

Across Pakistan, monsoon rains and flash floods have killed at least 377 people since Friday, officials said.