KARACHI: At least three people lost their lives and several others were reported missing as relentless monsoon downpours battered Karachi, causing widespread flooding, traffic chaos, and power outages across the metropolis.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the weather system currently persists as a depression around 60 kilometres west of Karachi and is likely to weaken into a low-pressure area while moving toward the Balochistan coast. The department had earlier forecast continued rainfall through Wednesday, with brief heavy showers across the city’s western and southern zones. Humidity levels hovered around 92% as temperatures stayed between 27°C and 29°C.
Rainfall data showed Surjani Town received the heaviest showers at 129.6mm, followed by North Karachi (72mm), Korangi (71mm), Defence Phase VII (70mm), and Gulshan-e-Hadeed (69mm). PAF Faisal Base recorded 55mm, while Nazimabad, Keamari, and Saadi Town registered 54mm, 52mm, and 51mm respectively.
Light to moderate showers continued on Wednesday, further straining already clogged drainage systems and leaving several areas under knee-deep water. Traffic moved at a crawl along Shahrah-e-Faisal, the Old City Area, and Scheme 33 as authorities struggled with dewatering efforts.
Meanwhile, heavy runoff from the Kirthar Range led to Thado Dam overflowing, sending torrents into nearby streams and low-lying settlements. Lath River also overflowed, flooding parts of the M-9 Motorway near Jamali Bridge.
Both Lyari and Malir rivers swelled beyond capacity after the downpour, breaching banks and flooding surrounding neighbourhoods. Strong currents from Malir River inundated Korangi Causeway, forcing authorities to shut the crossing and redirect traffic to Jam Sadiq Bridge and Qayyumabad. Overflow from Lyari River also submerged adjoining localities, where rescue teams pulled trapped residents to safety, including two individuals rescued near Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah acknowledged the scale of damage and inundation caused by overflowing rivers and streams but urged stakeholders to avoid political point-scoring during the crisis
