Karachi has been witnessing heavy rainfall since Tuesday morning, leading to widespread power outages and traffic disruptions across the city.
The Karachi Traffic Police, in an update issued at 3:37pm, warned of slow movement on major roads in District South, East, Central, West and Malir, advising citizens to drive carefully, avoid sudden braking, and maintain safe distances on wet roads.
Visuals showed several key roads submerged, leaving traffic stuck. Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah has instructed all deputy commissioners, the PDMA, health department and Rescue 1122 to remain on high alert, ensure quick drainage of water, and stay in close coordination with the Meteorological Department. “All Deputy Commissioners should be present in the field with their staff,” he directed.
According to the Met Office, intermittent rains will continue throughout the day, with Nazimabad recording the highest downpour at 76.9mm by 2pm, followed by North Karachi at 56.8mm, Surjani Town 36mm, and other areas, including Orangi, Keamari, Malir, DHA and Korangi, receiving varying amounts. Temperatures hovered around 28°C with 85 percent humidity.
The PMD has forecast “torrential rains” in Sindh and parts of Balochistan between August 19 and 22, warning of potential urban flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sajawal and other cities, as well as flash floods in Balochistan’s north and southeast. Authorities have been advised to stay alert and prepare for emergencies.
A day earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had chaired a meeting to review preparations, placing local bodies, police and traffic officials on high alert.
Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab officially declared a rain emergency, cancelling all staff leave, and ordering municipal services, the fire brigade and urban search and rescue units to set up a Rain Emergency Cell.
Police have also been directed to stay present in their areas, ensure drainage and traffic flow, and safeguard citizens’ lives and property.
“Police are with the public at all times in all weathers,” the East Zone DIG’s statement read, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel and report emergencies at 15.
The traffic police also diverted vehicles after rainwater accumulated inside the Nazimabad underpass, confirming that officers were on site to manage the flow.
While monsoon rains provide relief from Karachi’s sweltering summer, they often bring urban flooding, landslides, and displacement in vulnerable areas due to poor drainage and overcrowding.