• Monsoon system persists but moving away from Karachi: PMD
• Rescue teams move over 350 people to safety; recover two bodies.
• Continuous rain cause streams overflow, water enters societies.

At least three people were killed died and several others were reported missing after relentless monsoon rain triggered flooding across Karachi, submerging homes and roads and paralysing city life.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the monsoon system persists as a depression centred about 60 kilometres west of Karachi and is expected to weaken into a low-pressure area while moving towards the Balochistan coast. 

The department had earlier warned that rain would continue through Wednesday day and night, with brief heavy showers in the city’s western and southern parts. Humidity remained at 92% with temperatures between 27°C and 29°C on Wednesday.

Rainfall data showed Surjani Town received the heaviest downpour at 129.6mm, followed by North Karachi (72mm), Korangi (71mm), Defence Phase VII (70mm) and Gulshan-e-Hadeed (69mm). PAF Faisal Base recorded 55mm, Nazimabad 54mm, Keamari 52mm and Saadi Town 51mm.

Light to moderate showers continued across the city on Wednesday, adding to the standing water in several neighbourhoods. Rainfall was reported from Shahrah-e-Faisal, the Old City Area, and Scheme 33, keeping traffic slow and drainage efforts under pressure.

Heavy runoff from the Kirthar Range caused the Thado Dam to overflow, sending torrents of water into nearby streams and low-lying settlements. Lath River also overflowed, flooding areas along the M-9 Motorway near Jamali Bridge.

Both Lyari and Malir rivers swelled significantly after the downpour, breaching banks at several points. Strong currents from Malir River inundated Korangi Causeway, forcing authorities to shut the crossing and divert traffic to Jam Sadiq Bridge and Qayyumabad. Overflow from Lyari River flooded adjoining localities and trapped families, prompting rescue teams to save two people from Gulshan-e-Iqbal near the river.

Rescue officials said two vehicles were swept away in Gadap Nadi, where two bodies — including a woman’s — were recovered. Search operations continue for three others reported missing. Separately, a man was electrocuted at a puncture shop in North Nazimabad, taking the death toll to at least three.

The flooding submerged Saadi Town, Essa Nagri, Nasar Basti, Hasan Nauman Colony, Lassi Para, Machhar Colony and Yaar Mohammad Goth, trapping residents inside their homes and damaging infrastructure. Videos circulating online showed Saadi Town streets under water despite earlier denials.

Rescue 1122 confirmed over 350 residents were evacuated in joint operations with the district administration, while Pakistan Army teams helped pull several families to safety. Fifteen children, four women and an elderly man were rescued from Lassi Para near Sohrab Goth, while two others were saved near Lyari River in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, who visited rain-hit areas including Qayyumabad, Korangi Causeway and Shaheed Bhutto Road, said the situation was under control but warned citizens to remain cautious until water levels recede. 

“Water from the Kirthar hills caused Thado Dam to overflow,” he said, adding that preparations had been in place to deal with flooding. “We welcome constructive criticism but this is not the time for linguistic or political point-scoring — everyone must work together.”

The CM added that KMC, PDMA, Rescue, police and other agencies remained fully mobilised across Karachi.

Sindh government spokesperson Nadir Nabeel Gabol said 30 pumps had been deployed for drainage, with more being installed. He clarified that Shaheed Bhutto Road, still under construction, had been cut deliberately to allow water passage, dismissing rumours of structural damage. “This is an internationally supervised project, and negligence will not be tolerated,” he said.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, inspecting waterlogging at Nagan Chowrangi, said four relief centres had been set up and rescue teams were deployed across the city.

Meanwhile, MQM-Pakistan convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui criticised the provincial government, calling the flooding “evidence of incompetence and negligence.” 

He warned of human and financial losses as Lyari and Malir rivers swelled into residential areas and blamed encroachments along storm drains on the authorities. He also alleged that the collapse of Bhutto Road symbolised corruption and said Karachi had been damaged by “non-local” governance.

Traffic police shut the Korangi Causeway and several connecting roads, including Godam Chowrangi to Mehmoodabad, due to the strong current of water from the Malir River, diverting traffic towards Jam Sadiq Bridge and Qayyumabad. 

A road from Teen Hatti to Guru Mandir collapsed due to faulty sewerage work, worsening traffic problems, while roads near Chowrangi Chowk and Jahangir Road were also submerged.

Waterlogging disrupted traffic at multiple spots including the National Stadium, Civic Centre, NIPA, Expo Centre, Kala Pul, Guru Mandir graveyard, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Korangi, Qayyumabad, Liaquatabad, Landhi and Dawood Chowrangi. Traffic police said personnel were on the ground working to regulate vehicular movement despite severe pressure.

The Karachi commissioner announced the closure of all educational institutions on Wednesday, while Dow University Hospital postponed all examinations scheduled for the day. Revised dates will be announced later.

Meanwhile, MQM-Pakistan convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui criticised the Sindh government and local bodies, calling the situation “evidence of incompetence and negligence.” He warned of possible human and financial losses as Lyari and Malir rivers swelled into residential areas and blamed encroachments along storm drains on the provincial authorities. 

He further alleged that the collapse of Bhutto Road, built with billions of rupees, symbolised corruption and said Karachi had been damaged by “non-local” governance.

Officials said water levels in rivers and streams were gradually falling, with the flow from the Kirthar Range weakening. The water level at the Malir River bridge on M-9 dropped from 12 feet to 8 feet, and authorities expressed hope that the situation would be under control a few hours after the rains stopped.