Karachi Rains Wreak Havoc: City Faces Collapse Warning

Karachi is Pakistan’s largest city and economic hub. It once again came to a standstill as torrential rains, flooding streets and disrupting daily life. The recent downpours left behind a trail of destruction, damaged roads and power outages. It raised urgent questions about how to protect Karachi from recurring climate induced disasters. Over the past week, Karachi experienced heavy monsoon showers with some areas receiving record rainfall within hours. Low-lying neighborhoods such as Orangi Town, Korangi, North Karachi and Saddar were inundated that forced residents to wade through waist deep water.

Flooded roads paralyzed traffic and vehicles submerged or stranded for hours. Public transport came to a halt while emergency services struggled to reach affected areas. In many localities, power outages lasted for more than 24 hours as the electricity distribution system collapsed under the pressure of waterlogged grids. For residents, the rains turned into a nightmare. Families were trapped in their homes while small businesses suffered losses due to damaged goods and prolonged closures. Daily wage earners who depend on consistent work, faced severe economic setbacks.

The downpours not only caused property damage but also claimed lives. Open wires and exposed electrical systems became deadly hazards in flooded streets. Several children drowned in open drains that once again highlighting the dangers of Karachi’s neglected sewage and drainage system. Hospitals struggled with an influx of patients suffering from waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, cholera and gastroenteritis. Stagnant water in residential areas provided breeding grounds for mosquitoes, raising fears of dengue and malaria outbreaks in the weeks to come.

Urban experts argue that Karachi’s flooding is not solely a natural disaster but a man-made crisis driven by poor planning and governance failures. Over the years, unchecked urban sprawl, illegal construction and lack of zoning regulations have destroyed natural drainage paths. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Sindh government and federal agencies share overlapping responsibilities. No single authority takes full ownership of the city’s management. Saving Karachi requires political will, coordinated governance and bold investment in climate-resilient infrastructure. The city is not just Pakistan’s economic hub but it is its heartbeat.