23 killed as rain batters Karachi

At least 23 people were killed in Karachi in different incidents as record-breaking rains battered the city crippling life on Thursday.

Karachi police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon said so far 35 people have lost their lives in the current spell of monsoon. He said 17 killed in multiple incidents of roof and wall collapse, four died after drowning, and two others in different incidents.

Parts of Karachi were submerged after receiving record 223mm of rain in the last 12 hours breaking a 53-year record. The city had recorded 211mm of rain on July 26, 1976 in 24 hours, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

The PMD, in its new advisory, has said the ongoing spell of rain in Karachi may continue till morning as a strong system persists in the Arabian Sea.

A day ago, the Met Office had predicted that the monsoon rain system had weakened and it was likely that the metropolis would be provided with much-needed relief from the torrential rains.

While weather experts have said that the rain system has developed from the Arabian Sea to the Kirther Range. They added that Karachi has been sandwiched in the rains system.

The experts added that humidity from the sea was also making the rain system stronger.

With the ongoing downpour, multiple areas of the city were under several feet of water and main arteries of the city have been blocked by the rainwater accumulated on roads.

The seven underpasses in different areas of Karachi have also been closed for traffic after being flooded with rainwater.

On the other hand, containers kept for security purposes ahead of Ashura processions  were also swept away by the rain water.

DHA 'under  4 feet of water'

Karachi's Defence Housing Authority (DHA) and Clifton areas were under several feet of water after heavy rains.

Scores of social media users including Federal Minister Ali Zaidi posted videos and pictures showing DHA flooded with rainwater.

Rangers, Navy continue relief operations; two bodies recovered

Sindh Rangers and Pakistan Navy said that their rescue and relief operations continued in the rain-affected areas of the port city.

According to Rangers spokesperson, the Rangers have constituted separate teams and has also deployed reserve teams in various areas to deal with any kind of emergency. He also asked residents of the area to contact Rangers helpline 1101, check post or WhatsApp number 0347-9001111 for immediate assistance regarding rescue or relief.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the navy said that Pakistan Navy emergency response and rescue teams evacuated stranded people to safer places and recovered bodies being washed away in the flash flood.

“PN Emergency Response teams along with boats and requisite lifesaving equipment were deployed in different areas of the city including Diamond City Malir, Shah Faisal Town, Korangi Crossing, Sammo goth and Bahria Town Karachi,” said the statement.

The navy said that in their search and rescue operations the navy divers recovered two dead bodies from Shah Faisal Town and Korangi crossing areas, while 55 people were evacuated from flooded areas of Malir and Korangi crossing. He added that the rescue teams have also evacuated 20 families stranded in Sammo Goth and shifted them to a safe place.

“Pakistan Navy Seaking helicopter conducted aerial reccee of Korangi crossing, Quaidabad (Malir nadi), and Goth Shafi Muhammad while aerial reccee with the help of a quadcopter was also carried out in Saddar Town in support of relief operations to localize individuals requiring assistance. Additionally, ration bags and cooked meal was also dropped at various areas,” said the statement.