Rain and strong winds disrupt Karachi as western weather system moves in

KARACHI: Heavy rain and strong winds caused widespread disruption in Karachi on Thursday as a new western weather system moved into Pakistan through Balochistan, flooding roads and neighbourhoods, worsening conditions at ongoing development sites and leaving commuters stuck in long traffic jams.

Light to heavy rain continued in parts of the city for more than an hour, while some localities received intense downpours that led to urban flooding. Dark clouds covered the city even during the afternoon, and hail was reported from areas including Mauripur and Clifton.

The latest spell of rain exposed persistent drainage problems across Karachi. Streets and residential areas were submerged, while overflowing sewers and drains added to the difficulties in several localities. Rainwater collected at many of the same points affected during earlier spells, but this time ongoing construction work further aggravated the situation.

Several residents fell into potholes, while motorcycles and cars were also damaged. Videos shared on social media showed a motorcyclist trapped in a pothole and searching for his bike, while a nearby car had also sunk into a pothole. Residents also used social media to warn others against travelling from Hussainabad to Karimabad.

The Karimabad underpass and the Red Line corridor on University Road were among the worst-affected locations. The Karimabad underpass, whose completion has already been delayed for three years, deteriorated further after the rain. Construction activity linked to the Red Line project also caused major disruption, with travel from Jail Chowrangi to Hasan Square and from Hasan Square to Nipa Chowrangi becoming extremely difficult for commuters.

Millions of travellers were left stranded for hours in severe traffic congestion, particularly around the Red Line route and the Karimabad underpass. Despite visits by the Karachi mayor to several affected areas, the administrative machinery of the city’s municipal bodies was largely absent.

Weather system and rainfall data

The Meteorological Department said the weather system entered from southwest Balochistan and began affecting Karachi on Wednesday night, continuing through Thursday afternoon. Strong winds were also recorded during the rainfall, with a maximum speed of 38 km/h.

Rainfall figures released by the Meteorological Department showed Nazimabad received 6.69mm, followed by Keamari 5.6mm, Saadi Town 4.8mm, Gulistan-e-Johar 4.42mm, Motorway M-9 4.35mm, Orangi Town 3.94mm, Gulshan-e-Maymar 3.6mm, Surjani Town 3.5mm, DHA 3.3mm, Old Airport 3.26mm, Sharea Faisal 3.04mm, Mauripur 2.9mm, North Karachi 2.88mm, Korangi 1.82mm and Gulshan-e-Hadeed 1.7mm.

After the rain, rainbows were seen in several parts of the city.

Forecast and official response

The Meteorological Department has forecast partly to fully cloudy conditions with light to moderate rain for Friday. Its Early Warning Center said the new weather system may continue to influence Karachi and several rural districts of Sindh until April 4. Authorities have advised residents to take precautions and avoid non-essential travel.

Meanwhile, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has claimed that the corporation successfully managed the effects of heavy and intermittent rainfall across the city, ensuring timely water drainage and minimal disruption to daily life.