KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has warned that Karachi may need to be dug up once again if a 100-meter rainwater drainage system is to be installed, following the severe Karachi urban flooding triggered by Tuesday’s heavy rains.
During an emergency visit, the CM stressed the urgent need for a state-of-the-art drainage infrastructure to protect the metropolis from future disasters and strengthen its resilience. He also chaired an emergency meeting with senior officials, including provincial ministers, Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, and top city administrators, to review dewatering operations and flood management.
Briefings revealed the scale of the crisis, with many main roads submerged and turned into lakes. Authorities have since cleared water from key areas such as Gulbai, Mauripur, Gulshan, Ayesha Manzil, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, and Gulberg. Sensitive zones including the High Court, Sindh Secretariat, and Commissioner’s Office were also dewatered, while efforts continue at the Arts Council.
Murad praised rescue workers for safely evacuating 40 students stranded at FAST University-Malir during the downpour. Meanwhile, Karachi Police and Traffic Police managed to keep traffic moving at critical junctions like MA Jinnah Road, Bahadurabad, Shahrah-e-Liaquat, and Capri Cinema despite the flooding.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has deployed 26 high-capacity dewatering pumps across Districts South, Central, West, and East to tackle flooded underpasses and vulnerable zones.
The CM assured citizens that all departments are working together to limit the damage and respond swiftly to further rainfall. He urged residents to stay alert and follow official advisories as more showers are expected.
It is worth noting that the recent rains have already claimed at least 15 lives in Karachi through various rain-related incidents, highlighting the critical need for long-term flood prevention measures.
