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,.
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 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 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.
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.
City needs new sewerage system’
Mayor Waseem Akhtar said that several water drains are filled with waste though they are not made for the purpose of garbage disposal.
He said that the solid waste management and water board departments are part of the Sindh government, and the government should ensure that the drainage systems are not used for garbage disposal.
“Karachi needs a new sewerage system; the present system has been completely destroyed,” Akhtar said.
The mayor said that he has raised these concerns with the Sindh and federal government but is yet to receive any response.
“We have absolutely no hope from Singh government,” he said.
