Karachi received intermittent rain throughout the night, which continued on Wednesday morning, with both light and heavy showers recorded in various parts of the city.

As a result of continuous rain, several low-lying areas were inundated, severely affecting daily life and infrastructure.

Karachi Commissioner announced the closure of all schools across the city today due to the ongoing emergency.

Following the downpour, urban flooding, overflowing streams, and dam spillage caused disruption across the city. Rain also cut off road links and submerged many neighbourhoods.

According to the Meteorological Department, Surjani Town recorded the maximum rainfall, with 116mm documented.

The department said that the rain-bearing system has moved away from Karachi. However, its effects are still present, and light rain may continue in some places in the city until the evening.

Two buildings sink

Two blocks of a residential building complex in Block 15 of Gulistan-e-Jauhar partially sank early Wednesday morning, causing structural damage and forcing emergency evacuations.

The incident occurred at approximately 5.30am, when blocks B and C of the building complex suddenly began to sink.

Large cracks appeared on both structures, and windows and balconies on the ground floor were shattered due to the impact.

According to initial reports, over 200 residents were living in the 60 flats across the two affected blocks.

Police immediately evacuated the entire building, while the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) sealed both blocks to prevent further occupancy.

Residents described hearing a loud explosion-like sound, initially mistaking it for an earthquake.

“We felt strong vibrations and rushed out of the building,” said one resident. They claim that the building stands next to a stormwater drain (nullah), and the collapse was triggered by excessive water flow weakening the ground beneath the structure.

The Town vice chairman confirmed that the building was constructed in 2005 on land originally designated as part of the nullah, which likely contributed to the incident.

Police officials have stated that residents will not be allowed to return until a complete structural assessment is carried out by the SBCA to determine the safety of the premises.

Infrastructure damage

Heavy rain also caused flooding in the Malir River, Thado River, and Memon Goth nullah, resulting in water spilling onto major roads.

Heavy rain cut off the Super Highway from other parts of the country, while access to Gulshan-e-Hadeed and the National Highway has also been severely affected.

Rainwater entered homes in low-lying areas, including Sohrab Goth, Hasan Nauman Colony, Saadi Town, Ayub Goth, and Lasi Goth, leaving residents stranded.

Similar scenes were witnessed in New Karachi and Surjani Town, where citizens were seen wading through knee-deep water.

Rescue operations

In response to worsening conditions, emergency teams launched relief operations to rescue stranded people in many city areas.

Two individuals trapped in the Lyari River near Gulshan-e-Iqbal were safely rescued.

In Saadi Town, rescue teams — assisted by the Pakistan Army — evacuated 11 people, including two men, three women, and six children, from Saima Society. All were shifted to safer areas.

A rescue operation was also carried out in Khameeso Jokhio Goth, District Malir, where four individuals were safely rescued from a Shahzor truck swept away by a surge from the Thado Dam.

Administrative measures

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited several areas last night, including Clifton Pumping Station, Numaish, Guru Mandir, and Lasbela Road, to inspect the drainage systems.

He directed authorities to deploy additional water pumps in case of more rainfall and ensure the timely resolution of public complaints.

He also visited Nagan Chowrangi and other affected neighbourhoods, instructing immediate administrative action.

In a media briefing, Mayor Wahab said, “Surjani Town received 116 mm of rain. I visited the Lyari River last night; the situation is under control, and the roads across the city have been cleared. Thanks to preemptive drainage cleaning, the overall conditions are manageable.”

More rain forecast

The Meteorological Department has warned of another spell of rainfall in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered constant monitoring of dam flows and stressed regular public updates to ensure safety.