Urban Flooding in Karachi: Monsoon Chaos Exposes City’s Vulnerable Infrastructure

Karachi is once again drowning—literally and metaphorically—as relentless monsoon rains continue to batter the city, causing widespread urban flooding and bringing daily life to a grinding halt. From Surjani Town to Clifton, the city’s infrastructure has crumbled under the pressure of seasonal rainfall, exposing the alarming state of civic preparedness.

Heavy Rainfall Submerges Karachi’s Major Localities

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded intense rainfall across Karachi, with Surjani Town receiving the highest amount at 58.2mm. Saadi Town, Gulshan-e-Maymar, and Gulshan-e-Hadeed followed closely behind. As rainfall swept through the day, key areas such as DHA, Korangi, and Jinnah Terminal also saw significant downpours, straining already fragile drainage systems.

Low-lying areas like Liaquatabad, North Karachi, and Orangi Town quickly became waterlogged, turning roads into mini lakes. The scene was the same in Gulshan-e-Iqbal and parts of the historic Old City Zone, where stagnant water made mobility nearly impossible.

Traffic Disrupted, Sanitation Worsens

The urban flooding in Karachi not only halted daily commute but also highlighted the poor state of the city’s sewage and drainage systems. Overflowing gutters and open manholes released untreated sewage into the streets, raising serious public health concerns. Commuters struggled through knee-deep water on major roads such as Sharae Faisal and Rashid Minhas Road. In some cases, the water level was so high that people climbed onto bus rooftops just to get through.

Motorcycles broke down. Cars stalled. Emergency vehicles faced delays. The stormwater drain near Iqbal Plaza in North Karachi overflowed, adding to the chaos and further intensifying the flooding in adjacent areas.

Civic Infrastructure Under Fire

The monsoon disaster has reignited public criticism of Karachi’s civic bodies. Despite years of warnings and recurring flood situations, there appears to be little to no improvement in city planning or infrastructure investment. Poor drainage, lack of pre-monsoon cleaning, and the absence of rapid response teams have made each rainy season a public nightmare.

More Rain on the Horizon

Unfortunately, relief is nowhere in sight. According to the PMD, monsoon activity will continue until at least Monday, with the possibility of light showers lingering throughout the week. Thunderstorms and gusty winds are also expected across other parts of Sindh including Hyderabad, Thatta, Larkana, and Tharparkar.

Karachi remains on high alert, and residents are advised to stay updated on weather advisories and avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas.