Karachi (Web Desk): Karachi was hit by heavy rains on Thursday, claiming at least five lives and leaving several others injured as streets turned into waterlogged channels.
According to reports, authorities declared a rain emergency and urged people to stay indoors while struggling to manage the chaos caused by the downpour.
The city experienced intermittent showers throughout the day after a particularly intense morning spell flooded major roads, brought traffic to a standstill, and exposed the weaknesses of Karachi’s drainage system.
Several fatal incidents were reported across the city. In Golimar, a house wall collapsed onto a rickshaw, instantly killing the driver, 40-year-old Irshad. Elsewhere, five people, including a 12-year-old girl, died in separate electrocution accidents in Surjani Town, PIB Colony, the Super Highway, Ahsanabad, and on M.A. Jinnah Road.
In Orangi Town, three children were injured when a wall near a local gathering area came down. The injured were immediately rushed to hospital for medical care.
Key roads, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, were submerged, with the stretch near Nursery resembling a pond. Commuters were stranded for hours, while several underpasses, such as Karimabad, were flooded. Roads also collapsed at locations like Jinnah Avenue and Malir, adding to the difficulties faced by motorists.
Officials reported that basements of several buildings were inundated, and drivers struggled to navigate the waterlogged streets and damaged surfaces.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), rainfall was recorded across the city, with Nazimabad receiving the highest amount at 69mm. Other areas, including Keamari, Saadi Town, University Road, Surjani Town, and Gulshan-e-Maymar, also recorded significant rainfall.
The downpour triggered the tripping of multiple electricity feeders, resulting in widespread power outages in New Karachi, Orangi Town, Korangi, Federal B Area, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Malir, Baldia Town, and Mawach Goth. In low-lying areas, electricity was cut off as a precaution. K-Electric advised residents to avoid electric poles and unstable structures while the rain continues.
Civic authorities, under the direction of city officials, are working to drain flooded streets and restore traffic flow. Emergency camps and assistance desks have been set up throughout the city to support affected residents.
As per the officials, all relevant departments remain on high alert as more rainfall and strong winds are expected in the coming hours.