- Continuous rain cause streams overflow, water enters societies.
- Surjani Town remains worst hit with 129.6 milimetres rain.
- Over 200 evacuated as operation continues near Lyari, Malir rivers.
Continuous rain from Tuesday into Wednesday left parts of Karachi in chaos as swollen streams and storm drains overflowed, sending water gushing into several neighbourhoods and paralysing much of the port city.
The flooding trapped residents inside their homes, caused severe waterlogging on key thoroughfares, disrupted traffic and daily routines, and triggered extensive rescue and relief operations by the city administration.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rain under the current monsoon spell is likely to persist for another 24 hours, with the maximum temperature expected to remain between 27 and 29 degrees Celsius and humidity recorded at 92%. Winds from the southeast were blowing at a speed of about 15 kilometres per hour on Wednesday morning.
The rising water level in Thado Dam, resulting from continuous rain, caused flooding near the M-9 Motorway, close to Jamali Bridge, with authorities confirming that the water had reached the carriageway. The officials later clarified that the overflow was from the Lath River, not the dam itself.
Taking action on the matter, Karachi commissioner dispatched teams on the chief secretary’s directions, and the authorities broke a section of the motorway’s median wall to allow the water to pass, as directed by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who also ordered immediate clearance of the road to restore traffic flow.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, who inspected waterlogging at Nagan Chowrangi, said rescue teams were deployed across the city and four relief centres had been set up. He confirmed that over 200 people had already been evacuated from affected areas.
Rescue 1122 reported that 15 children, one elderly man and four women had been rescued so far, with operations continuing in localities near Lyari and Malir rivers.
Several neighbourhoods — including FB Area, Shafiq Colony, Essa Nagri, Nasar Basti, Sohrab Goth, Hasan Nauman Colony, Machhar Colony, Lassi Para, and Yaar Mohammad Goth — reported water entering homes after streams overflowed, leaving residents trapped.
The mayor, after receiving reports of inundation in Saadi Town, refuted them, saying fake news was being spread on social media. However, videos showed the neighbourhood submerged in water in the morning.
Surjani Town, which recorded 130 millimetres of rain, was among the worst hit, followed by North Karachi (55mm), Nazimabad (54mm), Gulshan-e-Hadeed (52mm) and other areas, while University Road recorded the lowest rainfall at 10mm.
Traffic police shut the Korangi Causeway and several connecting roads, including Godam Chowrangi to Mehmoodabad, due to the strong current of water from the Malir River, diverting traffic towards Jam Sadiq Bridge and Qayyumabad. Meanwhile, a road from Teen Hatti to Guru Mandir collapsed due to faulty sewerage work, causing further inconvenience.
Karachi commissioner announced the closure of all educational institutions on Wednesday, while Dow University Hospital postponed all examinations scheduled for today, saying revised dates would be announced later.
Officials said water levels in rivers and streams were gradually falling, with the flow from the Kirthar Range weakening. The water level at the Malir River bridge on M-9 dropped from 12 feet to 8 feet, and authorities expressed hope that the situation would be under control a few hours after the rains stopped.
