Heavy rainfall wreaks havoc across Karachi

KARACHI: Heavy rainfall lashed across various parts of Karachi on Tuesday as several low-lying areas were completed inundated by downpours that continued throughout the day.

Karachi, Hyderabad, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Jamshoro, Kotri, Tando Muhammad Khan, Nawabshah and other parts of Sindh receiving heavy rainfall as authorities warned about the risk of urban flooding across the province.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, Gulshan-e-Hadeed received maximum rainfall of 177 mm, Landhi 57mm, Nazimabad 53.6mm, Surjani Town 28.2mm, University Road 8.6mm, North Karachi, 4.2mm, Faisal Base 11mm, Masroor Base 7mm, and Saddar 5mm in the ongoing rainfall.

In other parts of Sindh, Mirpurkhas received a maximum rainfall of 162 mm, Mithi 135 mm, Hyderabad 133 mm, Chhor 111 mm, Badin 109 mm, Tando Jam 93 mm and Thatta 72 mm. The monsoon continues to enter Sindh bringing widespread thundershowers which will continue till Thursday.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has warned of urban flooding in Karachi and other parts of the Sindh. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has also warned of urban flooding in the province amid heavy rain forecast.

In Karachi, the Korangi Crossing Road was closed for vehicular traffic after flooding in Malir River. The Korangi Causeway has already been closed and traffic has been diverted to Jam Sadiq Bridge.

Police released a statement stating that traffic from Baloch Colony is being diverted to Qayyumabad and advised citizens to take alternate routes. The flooding in Malir River swept away the filter wall of the Malir spillway, posing a flood threat to Korangi industrial area and adjacent areas.

In Gulistan-e-Jauhar area, there was land sliding due to the heavy rains. Edhi rescue officials said there was no loss of life although several cars were trapped. All markets and business centers were closed while public transport was at its minimum across the city.

The railway track connecting Karachi with the rest of the country has been washed away as trains came to a halt. The Awami Express was stopped at Karachi Cantt and Rehman Baba Express was stopped at Port Qasim while the inbound Farid Express stopped in Bhawalpur.

There was a power breakdown in several parts of the city. K-Electric spokesman said the electricity was being supplied to most parts of the city except those where there was an accumulation of rainwater which can threaten wires and installations.