Under the grip of a powerful monsoon system, torrential rains lashed Karachi on Tuesday, submerging roads, triggering urban flooding in several neighbourhoods, and leaving commuters stranded in crippling traffic jams.

The downpour inundated major thoroughfares and inner streets across the metropolis.

Vehicles were stranded in waist-deep water while gridlocks paralysed traffic flow for hours.

Areas including Gulshan-e-Maymar, Water Pump, Ayesha Manzil, North Karachi, Surjani Town, Guru Mandir, Lasbela, Saddar, and Liaquatabad were hit by heavy rains, while North Nazimabad, Hyderi, and adjoining localities also received intense showers.

In Gulshan-e-Hadeed, a one-hour spell of heavy rain flooded streets and seeped into homes, forcing residents to shift valuables to safer places. Other key arteries such as Hasan Square, NIPA, Liaquatabad No. 10, Jail Chowrangi, Karsaz, Korangi, and the Expressway were also submerged.

The rain even exposed the city’s infrastructure: ceilings at the Sindh High Court leaked, and a parking shed at the Sindh Secretariat collapsed, prompting emergency rescues.

Power outages across Karachi

Over 470 feeders tripped, plunging nearly 40% of Karachi into darkness.

Electricity supply was cut off in Baldia, Bin Qasim, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Korangi, Orangi, Surjani, FB Area, Liaquatabad, Shah Faisal, Golimar, Gulbahar, and Yousuf Goth, among others.

Parts of New Karachi, SITE, Landhi, and Peoples Colony were also left without power.

According to K-Electric, supply is currently active from 1,630 out of 2,100 feeders.

Officials warned that power may be temporarily suspended in low-lying areas for safety reasons.

Rainfall figures released

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported record rainfall across the city, with Gulshan-e-Hadeed topping the list at 145 mm.

Other key figures include:

• Airport Old Area: 138mm

• Keamari: 137mm

• Jinnah Terminal: 135mm

• Saadi Town: 123mm

• Gulistan-e-Jauhar: 122.4mm

• DHA Clifton: 121mm

• Shahrah-e-Faisal: 114mm

• Surjani Town: 111.2mm

• Korangi: 96.6mm

• Nazimabad: 82mm

Meanwhile, Orangi received 66.2mm, Gulshan-e-Maymar 75.2mm, Masroor Base 75mm, while Bahria Town recorded the lowest at just 4.8mm.

PMD noted that Karachi’s annual average rainfall usually ranges between 200–250mm, but in recent years it has fluctuated significantly, with extreme highs such as 400mm in 2022 and 500mm in 2024.

Emergency declared, markets shut down

Given the deteriorating situation, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab declared a rain emergency, directing all municipal staff to remain on high alert.

Commercial hubs, including Saddar, Empress Market, Tariq Road, Hyderi Market, Liaquatabad, Paposh Nagar, and Clifton, were shut due to flooding.

The Karachi Commissioner’s Office also set up a control room to monitor the situation. Citizens have been advised to contact 99205634 or 99203443 in case of emergencies.

Schools to remain closed on August 20

The Sindh government has announced that all schools in Karachi will remain closed on Wednesday (August 20), given the expected heavy rainfall.

Sindh Education Minister Sardar Shah said that schools across the city would stay shut as a precautionary measure.

Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon also confirmed that both private and government schools will remain closed.

Memon added that the provincial government’s entire machinery is active during the ongoing rains, with drainage work underway. He emphasised that public safety is the top priority and advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel.

He further assured that the Sindh government will not leave the people alone in these difficult circumstances and is making every possible effort to provide relief and facilities.

More rain expected

The PMD has forecast intermittent heavy rains across Karachi and Sindh between August 17 and 19, warning that the spell may continue till August 23, with one or two intense bursts likely to cause further urban flooding.

Residents have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and take precautionary measures amid risks of thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds.

Safety advisories issued

K-Electric cautioned citizens to exercise care while using electrical appliances during the rains and to stay away from broken wires and electrical installations.

Traffic police also appealed for caution, urging motorists to reduce speed, maintain a safe distance, and avoid sudden braking.

Motorcyclists were directed to keep to the left side of the roads.