Karachi Streets in Ruins as Ongoing Rainstorm Worsens Infrastructure Damage
KARACHI Streets Devastated After Five-Day Rainstorm Causes Widespread Damage Recent heavy rains have wreaked havoc on Karachi’s already deteriorating roads, with the Met Office forecasting continued downpours that could lead to further infrastructure damage in the city.
Key roads have collapsed, standing water in many areas has mixed with sewage, and major thoroughfares have become impassable for both pedestrians and motorists.
While Sharea Faisal largely remained unaffected during the initial phase of the rains, the latest downpour has reignited the longstanding issues faced by Karachiites. The rains, which began on August 27, have resulted in nearly 226 millimeters of precipitation across the city’s seven districts.
The rains have exacerbated the city’s infrastructure problems, with broken roads, potholes, and sewage flooding streets becoming major issues. In Clifton Block-2, a road collapse has severed connections to other parts of the city, with viral social media images showing a truck trapped in the damaged area. Similarly, Jehnagir Road near Teen Hatti has been severely affected, with the newly constructed road almost destroyed by the latest rains.
In Korangi, the key link road between the densely populated neighborhood and Landhi has become nearly impassable due to potholes and overflowing sewers, causing frequent road accidents. A 24-inch sewage line beneath Tariq Road has also collapsed, adding to the city’s woes.
University Road, already in poor condition due to the BRT Red Line construction, has become a nightmare for motorists, with several bottlenecks causing severe traffic jams. Near Safari Park, accumulated rainwater and overflowing sewage have created significant challenges for road users.
Neighborhood streets, service roads, and arteries connecting residential areas are in even worse shape, with town administrations struggling due to a lack of resources and manpower for post-rain repairs. Filthy sewage has seeped into water supply lines, posing serious health risks to residents. Notable collapses include a 30-inch line in Block-5 and an 18-inch line in Block-15 of Gulistan-i-Jauhar, as well as an 18-inch sewer line in Jahanabad, Sohrab Goth Town.
Aftab Alam, Chief Engineer of SWSC, stated that repairs on the Tariq Road sewage line will commence, with other damaged lines to follow. KWSC officials are working urgently to repair various sewage lines, including the 24-inch line in Sohrab Goth Town and the main 24-inch sewer line in Nazimabad.
Amid the crisis, Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani expressed hope, emphasizing that swift drainage of rainwater is the top priority for the Sindh government. Ghani assured that municipal agencies are working to clear roads and streets and repair damaged infrastructure once the rains subside.
However, opposition parties remain skeptical. Jamaat-i-Islami Karachi chief Ameer Monem Zafar criticized the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) for alleged mismanagement and corruption, claiming that funds intended for rain drain maintenance were misused. He pointed out that despite earmarking Rs490 million for drainage improvements, no effective action was taken, leading to overflowing drains and significant commuter problems.
The Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan also denounced the PPP government’s handling of the situation, labeling it as a “consistent failure” that undermines the city’s infrastructure every monsoon season. The party criticized the government’s claims and highlighted the ongoing struggles of Karachi residents stranded on flooded roads.
