Karachi: Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab has warned that the city could face serious challenges if heavy rainfall hits, as rising sea levels are already pushing creek water into Nehr-e-Khayam. He noted that drainage during intense showers will be one of the city’s biggest tests.
Speaking at a press conference, the mayor said the issue was not about resources or authority but about timely action and intent. He claimed that major drains in Orangi, Gujjar, and Mehmoodabad had been cleared, while machinery remains deployed at smaller drains. Pumps have been installed at underpasses to prevent flooding, and staff has been stationed in low-lying areas to handle emergencies.
Wahab explained that Karachi’s drains can handle rainfall up to 40 millimeters, but heavier showers inevitably overwhelm the system. He urged citizens not to panic during rain, noting that rushing out of offices and homes only makes relief efforts harder. Relief camps have been set up on key roads with water and food supplies for those in need.
The mayor appealed to citizens to stay indoors during rainfall, adding that clearing waterlogged areas typically requires at least two hours. “Our teams will do their best to clear affected spots within two to three hours after the rain,” he assured.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Meteorological Department spokesperson Anjum Nazir said the current monsoon system has developed into a “deep depression,” one step before a cyclone. The system, centered over Tharparkar, is expected to bring strong winds of 60 to 70 km/h and heavy downpours across Karachi.
The Met Office warned that urban flooding is possible due to the city’s weak infrastructure, and low-lying areas may be submerged. More than 100 millimeters of rain could fall during this spell, officials said, advising citizens to avoid vulnerable structures and remain indoors during intense showers.
