August 20th has been declared a holiday in Karachi, Pakistan, due to heavy rainfall. The ongoing monsoon in Pakistan has led to thunderstorms, flooding, and landslides in various regions of the country. The death toll from various incidents caused by the monsoon has risen to 377. Abdul Wahid Halipoto, a spokesperson for Karachi’s regional government, stated that seven people have died since it started raining in the city on August 19th. He mentioned that different parts of Karachi have received unprecedented rainfall in the past 48 hours compared to recent years. He added that people have died due to drowning, accidents, building collapses, and electrocution.
Relevant authorities in Karachi have ordered the closure of schools, educational centers, and offices. Anjum Nazir, a spokesperson for the regional meteorological department, said that rainfall is expected to increase further. He stated that different areas of Karachi received between 80 to 178 millimeters of rain on August 19th. Nazir mentioned that the area where Karachi’s airport is located received 163.5 millimeters of rain, which is the highest recorded rainfall in that area since 1979. The northeastern areas of Karachi received 178 millimeters of rain, which is the highest amount since a meteorological center was established in that area five years ago.
The rain has disrupted electricity services, mobile phone networks, and flights. Videos circulating on various platforms show cars and other vehicles floating on flooded Karachi streets and houses submerged in water. K-Electric, which provides electricity to Karachi, said that the sudden heavy rainfall has disrupted power supply. Although efforts were made to restore electricity, flooding and traffic congestion have hampered these efforts, according to K-Electric. However, they managed to restore power to many areas within 8 to 12 hours.
Karachi’s Mayor, Murtaza Wahab, said that all available resources are being used to clear the roads and restore services. He mentioned that rescue workers, police, volunteers, and government agencies are working together in this effort. Wahab stated that Karachi’s drainage system doesn’t function effectively when rainfall exceeds 40 millimeters, leading to street flooding.
