Karachi, September 10, 2025: At least three people were killed and several reported missing after relentless monsoon rains inundated Karachi on Wednesday, submerging homes and roads, crippling transport, and forcing mass rescues across the city.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said the monsoon system remained centred about 60 kilometres west of Karachi as a depression, expected to weaken into a low-pressure area while moving toward the Balochistan coast. Earlier, the PMD had forecast heavy showers through Wednesday, with temperatures hovering between 27°C and 29°C and humidity at 92%.
Rainfall data showed Surjani Town received the heaviest downpour at 129.6 mm, followed by North Karachi (72 mm), Korangi (71 mm), Defence Phase VII (70 mm) and Gulshan-e-Hadeed (69 mm). Other notable readings included 55 mm at PAF Faisal Base, 54 mm in Nazimabad, 52 mm in Keamari and 51 mm in Saadi Town.
Continuous showers kept several neighbourhoods waterlogged, including Shahrah-e-Faisal, the Old City Area and Scheme 33, straining Karachi’s fragile drainage system and slowing traffic citywide.
Heavy runoff from the Kirthar Range caused the Thado Dam to overflow, sending torrents into nearby settlements. The Lath River also overflowed, flooding stretches of the M-9 Motorway near Jamali Bridge.
Both Lyari and Malir rivers swelled dangerously, breaching banks at several points. Strong currents from Malir River forced the closure of Korangi Causeway, diverting traffic to Jam Sadiq Bridge and Qayyumabad. Overflow from Lyari River inundated adjoining areas, where rescue teams pulled two people to safety in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
In Gadap Nadi, two vehicles were swept away; rescuers recovered two bodies, including a woman’s, while three others remain missing. Separately, a man was electrocuted at a puncture shop in North Nazimabad, raising the confirmed death toll to three.
Floodwaters submerged localities including Saadi Town, Essa Nagri, Nasar Basti, Hasan Nauman Colony, Lassi Para, Machhar Colony and Yaar Mohammad Goth. Videos circulating online contradicted earlier official denials, showing Saadi Town streets under several feet of water.
Rescue 1122 said over 350 residents were evacuated in joint operations with district officials, while the Pakistan Army also pulled families to safety. Among those rescued were 15 children, four women and an elderly man from Lassi Para, and two others near Lyari River.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah toured rain-hit areas including Qayyumabad, Korangi Causeway and Shaheed Bhutto Road, assuring citizens the situation was “under control” but warning them to remain cautious until water levels recede.
“Water from the Kirthar hills caused Thado Dam to overflow,” he said, stressing that response preparations were in place. “We welcome constructive criticism, but this is not the time for linguistic or political point-scoring — everyone must work together.”
Sindh government spokesperson Nadir Nabeel Gabol said 30 drainage pumps had been deployed, with more being installed. He clarified that Shaheed Bhutto Road had been cut deliberately to allow water passage, dismissing rumours of structural collapse.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said four relief centres had been established and rescue teams mobilised citywide.
Opposition party MQM-P criticised the provincial government, with convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui calling the flooding “evidence of incompetence and negligence.” He blamed encroachments along storm drains and alleged corruption in road projects, saying Karachi had been damaged by “non-local governance.”
Traffic police closed Korangi Causeway and several connecting routes, including Godam Chowrangi–Mehmoodabad, due to strong Malir River currents. A road from Teen Hatti to Guru Mandir collapsed after faulty sewerage work, worsening gridlock.
Waterlogging disrupted traffic at key arteries including National Stadium, Civic Centre, NIPA, Expo Centre, Kala Pul, Guru Mandir graveyard, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Korangi, Qayyumabad, Liaquatabad, Landhi and Dawood Chowrangi.
The Karachi commissioner ordered the closure of all educational institutions on Wednesday. Dow University Hospital also postponed scheduled examinations.
By evening, officials reported that water levels in rivers and streams were gradually falling as the flow from the Kirthar hills weakened. At the Malir River bridge on M-9, the water level dropped from 12 feet to 8 feet, with authorities hopeful the situation would stabilise once rains subsided.
