Rain in Karachi claims at least 14 lives in different incidents
Several grid stations have tripped, and many areas are deprived of electricity
KARACHI (Dunya News) – Heavy intermittent spells of rain have been continuing since last night in Karachi, and 14 persons have so far lost their lives due to electric shocks and other incidents, Dunya News reported on Thursday.
All the important highways remain flooded and several traffic accidents have taken place. The situation of water accumulation has been worse in urban and rural areas alike. Urban flooding and poor sewerage system has put a halt on daily life.
Big markets and shops remained closed while a number of employees remained absent from offices. The transport system also remained compromised in the working hours.
Some animals that were to be sacrificed on Eid-ul-Azha also got killed by electrocution. Although the threat of storm has been ruled out, still locals are facing a lot of difficulties as streets are inundated with water.
The 2km area between Nagin Chowrangi and Power House Chowrangi is flooded with rainwater, and situation seems out of control as the management has failed to provide any relief to people despite the declaration of emergency. Thousands of motorbikes are stuck in water, and several cars have flowed.
There is no system of drainage, water pipelines are broken and garbage is floating on the streets. The incoming and outgoing ways have been closed for traffic in Surjani Town. Shadman Town is also flooded with rainwater, and Nazimabad Underpass is representing scenes of swimming pool.
Due to showers, several grid stations tripped, and many areas including Malir, Korangi, Nazimabad, North Karachi, Surjani Town, P.E.C.H. Society, Gurumandir, Model Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Sohrab Goth and Gulberg were deprived of electricity. Holiday was also declared in schools.
Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar expressed his helplessness while talking to media, and said that the machinery is out of order, and he has already done whatever he could. Wasim Akhtar remarked that Singh government should at least fulfil its own duties if it doesn’t want to help me.
Pak Army to the rescue
The provincial and district government asked Pakistan Army for help and contingents of soldiers arrived at the point to speed up the sewerage system. Karachi locals voiced slogans in support of Sindh Rangers, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Army after they helped to restore activities in their respective areas.
Machinery was brought to lessen the accumulation of water. Jawans of Pak Army and Sindh Rangers were notified about the water situation at Super Highway and disruption in traffic flow. They arrived at the spot and helped locals travel through the affected area.
On the other hand, Sindh Rangers have started rescue operation in Orangi Town and Pak Colony, and relief camps have been built in schools.
According to ISPR, fifteen rescue teams were sent to Karachi by Pakistan Army. They reached worked actively in the provincial capital with their equipment to extract water and help the locals.
PM takes notice
PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also took notice of the devastation caused by the recent spell of rains in Karachi. He directed Pakistan Army, National Highway Authority (NHA), Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Ministry of Ports and Shipping to immediately clear the roads to allow commuters to travel safely in the city.
Earlier, a wave of fear spread among Karachiites when they were informed about possibility of sea storm, but the Met Office shunned the news terming it a rumor, and predicted that only rains will continue.
It is also raining in Hyderabad, and low-lying areas have been inundated with water. People are celebrating rain in Tharparkar as their ponds are filled with water.
