Karachi faces traffic gridlock and displacement after days of rain

KARACHI: Karachi experienced light showers once again on Thursday morning, extending the city’s streak of monsoon rains into a fourth consecutive day. Despite the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirming that the monsoon system has now weakened and shifted inland as a low-pressure area, overcast skies and intermittent rainfall continue to disrupt daily life across the metropolis.

Light to moderate rainfall was reported in various parts of the city, including MA Jinnah Road, II Chundrigar Road, Clifton, University Road, and Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Roads already soaked from previous downpours became slick again, complicating mobility in an already waterlogged city.

The PMD has forecast continued light showers and drizzle over the next 24 hours, with humid and partly cloudy conditions expected to persist.

Overflowing Rivers, Displacement, and Tragedy:

In the past three days, torrential rains triggered the overflow of the Lyari and Malir rivers along with several smaller streams, inundating low-lying neighborhoods and forcing emergency evacuations. Rescue teams, including Rescue 1122, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and the Pakistan Army, have evacuated over 350 people from flood-hit areas.

In a tragic turn, multiple drownings have been reported in the overflowing Gadap River. Search operations are ongoing to locate those still missing.

Homes in several areas have been flooded, displacing hundreds of residents. Relief efforts continue amid concerns over public health and safety in the aftermath of the flooding.

City Paralyzed by Worst Traffic Jams in Recent Memory:

Flooding in the Malir River has caused the closure of key roadways including the Korangi Crossing Causeway and Korangi Causeway, bringing traffic to a near standstill in major parts of the city.

Motorists faced hours-long traffic jams at key choke points such as Qayyumabad Chowrangi, Jam Sadiq Bridge, Expressway, Brooks Chowrangi, and Defence Signal. Commutes that typically take minutes extended into hours, with many commuters left stranded and late for work, school, and essential errands.

The traffic police have confirmed that the closure of Korangi routes has redirected an overwhelming volume of traffic onto Qayyumabad and Jam Sadiq Bridge, worsening congestion. Personnel have been deployed on the ground to manage the situation, but officials are urging citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and seek alternate routes wherever possible.