Flood water enters airport, Shahrah-e-Faisal submerged, toll rises to 14
At least 14 people have been killed in rain-related incidents so far.
KARACHI (Dunya News) - Life in Karachi, the teeming metropolis of over 16 million, came to a grinding halt as it received heavy downpour of the current monsoon.
One of the city s main avenues, Shahrah-e Faisal, submerged in rainwaterwhile floodwater entered the airport from Bhataiabad which was likely to swamp the runway.
At least 14 people died in rain-related incidents as provincial authorities called in army troops to help drain out rainwater from different neighbourhoods. Most of the fatalities were caused by electrocution and drowning.
The rain caused dozens of feeders of the Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC) to trip, which resulted in power outages in almost half of the city. Meanwhile 100 out of 225 feeders have been restored so far. The areas that continue to face blackout includes North Karachi, North Nazimabad, Abul Hassan Isphani road, Gulistan-e-Johar, Gulshan Iqbal, Surjani Town, Baldia, Nusrat Bhutto colony, Lyari and Landhi.
As most drains were clogged, rainwater and sewage flooded the busiest arteries and thoroughfares of the city, causing gridlocks at different places. Several cars and mini-buses also broke down in the middle of the roads adding to the traffic mess.
Although the posh and residential neighbourhoods were no exception, the worst-hit were the slums and villages on the edge of the city.
Pakistan Navy personnel were called in to take part in rescue operation after rain water entered houses in different parts of the city, leaving a large number of people stranded.
According to reports, people in Saadi Town, Amoroha Society, Safoora Goth, Gulshan-e-Mamar, Bhittayi Abad, Gulistan-e-Jauher and those leaving near Lyari and Malir rivers were stranded as rain water from Saturday s heavy downpour entered their houses.
People in various affected localities moved to safer places.
