Moderate rainfall turns parts of Karachi into cesspools

KARACHI: An unexpected spell of monsoon rain on early Monday morning in Karachi exposed the claims of the federal and provincial governments of addressing the drainage related issues of the megapolis as the light to moderate showers resulted in inundation of low-lying areas, accumulation of water on major roads and power cuts in many areas of the city, turning the worst fears of the city dwellers true.

Tragically, the accumulated water and unsafe electric poles also claimed the life of a young teenager in the Al-Falah Society area near Malir Halt.

The rain started at around 7am in most of the areas on Monday morning. Around three to four millimetres (mm) of rain was recorded in the first spell except for Gulshan-e-Hadeed where 17mm was recorded. The intermittent rains continued till noon, during which different areas received 20 to 35mm of rainfall, Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) officials said.

The rain collapsed the alternative route of the Malir Causeway to Kathore. Besides like always, the rainwater gathered at some of the busiest intersections of the city — Nagan Chowrangi and Qayyumabad — and could not be drained for hours. Parts of Sharae Faisal and the road in front of the Jinnah Hospital were also flooded. Water also could not be drained off from some streets of Nazimabad, North Nazimabad and North Karachi. Areas surrounding the airport and City Tower on Sharae Faisal were also flooded, hindering traffic movement. The rain also caused stinking sewage to overflow from various manholes, slowing down traffic at several places across the city, including Jauhar More towards Nipa, Hassan Square, University Road towards New Town, Tipu Sultan Road and Karsaz, which suffered traffic jams.

Tragically, the stagnant water and the usafe power system led to electrocution of a minor boy and two sacrificial animals. Twelve-year-old Hammad, son of Khursheed, died after being electrocuted in the Al-Falah Society, Malir Halt.

On the other hand, soon after the first drops of rain fell, Gadap, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, FB Area, Clifton, some localities of Defence Housing Authority, Orangi Town, Saddar, Bahadurabad, Surjani Town, Malir and Korangi suffered immediate power outages that continued in many parts of the city till this report was being filed. A spokesperson for the K-Electric said power supply to Surjani Town and New Karachi was suspended as they are low-lying areas.