By Staff Reporter
KARACHI: Three people died in rain-related accidents, including two teenagers electrocuted during downpours and a young man drowned in a swollen river, as intermittent showers lashed Karachi on Tuesday and meteorologists warned of urban flooding in Pakistan’s largest city amid a lingering monsoon depression.
Authorities mobilized rescue teams and traffic controls to cope with power outages and slippery roads, while a weakening weather system threatened more heavy rain through Wednesday.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department attributed the conditions to a deep depression that had weakened into a depression over central Sindh, moving west/southwest and expected to further diminish into a well-marked low-pressure area within the next 12 hours. “Due to this system strong monsoon currents are continually penetrating in the province,” the department said. “Under its influence, widespread rain-wind/thundershower with strong gusty winds along with scattered heavy to very heavy/isolated exceptional heavy falls are expected in … Karachi division till tomorrow with occasional gaps.”
Forecasters cautioned that “torrential rains” could cause urban flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas. A day earlier, PMD focal person Anjum Nazeer Zaigham had predicted “heavy to very heavy” rain in four to six spells from morning till night. On Tuesday, PMD Deputy Director Anjum Nazir said the system was centered about 50 kilometers northeast of Hyderabad, which had received 85 millimeters of rainfall in the past 24 hours. It was moving westward, with showers expected to intensify after 11 a.m., potentially bringing over 100 millimeters to Karachi overall. “The situation in the city may remain severe,” the PMD spokesperson had warned, noting possible strong winds of 60 to 70 kilometers per hour.
Two teenagers died from electrocution. Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed said the victims were brought to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital from Sohrab Goth and Khawaja Ajmer Nagri for legal formalities. A young man drowned while trying to cross the rain-swollen Malir river. Rescue-1122 spokesperson said two men attempted to ford the river at Yar Mohammed Goth, where heavy flow and quicksand posed dangers. Ali Gul Mithani held on and was rescued, but Irfan Ahmed Tarin, 27, was swept away. The search continued into the evening without success.
K-Electric, the city’s power utility, said preliminary investigations showed its “infrastructure was not involved” in the electrocutions. Nonetheless, electricity faltered across Karachi, with sources reporting 280 feeders tripping during the showers.
Officials acted swiftly to contain disruptions. Karachi traffic police declared both sides of Tariq Road a “no-parking zone,” announcing on X that the measure would allow it to serve as an alternative route if Sharea Faisal became impassable. “Citizens, especially market associations and members, are requested to avoid parking on both sides of Tariq Road so that traffic flow is not hampered,” the police said. Earlier, they noted drizzle in parts of the city and advised caution on slippery roads, urging avoidance of low-lying areas.
On Monday, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab detailed measures in a press conference, acknowledging recovery would take “a few hours” post-downpour despite efforts. “The sea level is high — it might not take the water,” he said, highlighting a major challenge. Wahab noted all 46 major drains under the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation to the sea were “cleaned,” including Gujjar, Orangi and Mehmoodabad nullahs. “Additional pumps have been installed, machinery deployed, and 120 water and sewerage vehicles are active across the city,” he said. Relief camps at choke points provided water and biscuits to the stranded; staff leave was canceled for 24/7 presence. He urged calm, patience and staying indoors during rain.
Showers continued Tuesday under gray skies and forecasters predicted moderate to strong showers until late night, with “very heavy downpours” possible. Torrential rains were also forecast for Sindh and parts of Balochistan in the next four hours, elevating flash and urban flooding risks. Authorities called for alertness amid the monsoon’s 10th wet spell.
Last month, 15 died when rains overwhelmed Karachi’s infrastructure, bursting drains and sewers, halting industries and causing extended power and internet outages. Most fatalities involved collapsing structures, drowning and electrocution over three days.
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