Karachi witnessed hours of relentless rainfall on Tuesday, which inundated low-lying neighborhoods and disrupted normal life in Pakistan’s largest city. The Sindh Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that over 300 people were rescued from flood-hit areas. Schools were closed as precautionary measures, while authorities worked through the night to clear waterlogged streets and underpasses. However, residents were warned to remain cautious, as intermittent drizzle continued into Wednesday morning.
Two Deaths Reported in Floods
Amid rescue efforts, the Edhi Foundation reported two tragic fatalities. A van carrying passengers was swept away by rushing water, leading to the drowning of a 45-year-old man and a 60-year-old woman. Rescue workers recovered their bodies from a stream, while searches continued for other missing passengers. The charity’s spokesperson stressed the urgency of precautionary measures as flood risks persist in multiple Karachi neighborhoods located near overflowing streams and drainage systems.
PDMA Details Rescue Operations
According to PDMA Director General Salman Shah, 325 people were rescued from severely impacted zones, particularly around the Lyari and Malir rivers. Nine PDMA teams and 50 Rescue 1122 officers were deployed alongside nearly 400 workers, ensuring prompt emergency response. The DG explained that these rivers overflowed due to the heavy downpours, creating life-threatening conditions for nearby residents. Authorities continue monitoring vulnerable areas, as Karachi’s urban drainage system struggles with the large volumes of rainwater.
Mayor Reviews Flooded Areas
Karachi’s Mayor Murtaza Wahab conducted late-night inspections across the worst-hit neighborhoods. By early Wednesday, he reported that most major roads, intersections, and underpasses had been cleared, allowing smoother vehicular movement. However, Wahab urged residents to remain vigilant, as light rainfall persisted throughout the morning. He also requested citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, stressing that city resources remain under pressure as more rain could worsen already challenging drainage and traffic conditions across Karachi.
Schools Shut After Forecast
In anticipation of further heavy rainfall, the Karachi commissioner’s office declared a holiday for all public and private educational institutions across the division. The decision was based on weather forecasts predicting renewed downpours and the possibility of flash floods in urban areas. Authorities stated that safeguarding children and easing traffic congestion during emergency situations were the primary reasons behind the closure. The public was urged to monitor official updates regarding resumption of classes.
Relief Operations in Progress
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that large-scale rescue and relief operations were underway, following reports of rising river levels and rainfall damage. According to him, overflowing Lyari and Malir rivers combined with unusually high sea tides had slowed drainage efforts across the metropolis. He acknowledged the challenges but insisted the situation was gradually improving. He also cautioned that another spell of heavy rainfall was expected within 24 to 48 hours.
NDMA Issues Flood Alert
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) sounded a flood warning for Sindh and Balochistan. It forecast widespread rain, thunderstorms, and flash floods in Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, and Jamshoro districts, among others. The advisory urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, keep vehicles in safe areas, and stay away from submerged roads. Authorities feared traffic flow disruptions and rising water levels could leave many urban populations vulnerable, particularly in already saturated low-lying regions.
Warnings for Balochistan
In neighboring Balochistan, the NDMA predicted heavy rainfall over 24 hours in Lasbela, Hub, Khuzdar, Awaran, and Sibi, with flash flood risks in Khuzdar, Ormara, and Hingol Valley. Authorities warned that residents in mountainous regions faced added dangers from hill torrents. Relief agencies urged people in these high-risk areas to remain alert, prepare emergency supplies, and follow official evacuation orders if issued, to minimize potential human and material losses from incoming rains.
Punjab Rivers Under Pressure
Meanwhile, Punjab’s PDMA confirmed that three eastern rivers, Chenab, Ravi, and Sutlej, continued carrying massive water volumes after India released excess dam water. At Trimmu headworks near Jhang, flows on the Chenab stood steady at 250,005 cusecs. On the Sutlej, Punjnad headworks recorded over 530,000 cusecs, exceeding safe levels. These surging torrents are now flowing downstream into Sindh, creating fears of “super floods” along the Indus River in the coming days.
Evacuations and Relief in Sindh
Sindh authorities reported that 4,881 people were evacuated from riverine areas within 24 hours, adding to a total of 146,492 relocated in recent days. Over 5,000 people received medical assistance through mobile and fixed health units, while more than 11,000 livestock were also moved to safety. Veterinary teams vaccinated or treated over 58,000 animals in a single day, bringing the cumulative figure past one million, underscoring the scale of disaster management efforts.
