Karachi Floods
Karachi Floods: Torrential Rains Paralyze Pakistan’s Largest City
Torrential monsoon rains have once again brought life to a standstill in Karachi, forcing the closure of businesses, schools, and government offices across Pakistan’s financial hub. At least 10 people lost their lives on Wednesday due to drowning, electrocution, building collapses, and road accidents as floodwaters swept through the country’s largest metropolis.
The Sindh government announced a two-day closure of all schools and educational institutions in Karachi, citing safety concerns and the need to assess the extent of damage caused by the floods. Businesses and public offices were also ordered to shut down until further notice.
The latest spell of heavy downpour submerged vast parts of Karachi, home to more than 20 million people, with rainfall levels not seen in decades. 163.5 mm of rain was recorded near Jinnah International Airport — the highest since 1979 — while 178 mm fell in the city’s northeast, marking a five-year record for the area.
Residents described scenes of chaos as vehicles were swept away, roads turned into rivers, and homes filled with floodwater. “I have never experienced rain like this in my life,” said Anosha, a resident, whose car was stranded on a waterlogged street.
The flooding severely disrupted daily life, cutting power supplies, mobile networks, and air travel. Karachi’s power distributor, K-Electric, said efforts to restore electricity were hampered by waterlogging and traffic congestion, though supply has since been restored to most areas.
Authorities have warned that more intense rains are expected, with the meteorological department urging residents to remain cautious. Since the start of the monsoon season in late June, over 750 people have died across Pakistan due to flood-related incidents, with the death toll in the northwestern provinces alone rising to 385.
The disaster has renewed debate over Karachi’s fragile infrastructure, inadequate drainage systems, and poor urban planning, which leave the city highly vulnerable to seasonal rains.
