What led to the tragic deaths of eleven in Karachi due to rain?
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Synopsis
In Karachi, Pakistan, heavy rains have caused devastating floods, resulting in the deaths of 11 people and injuries to 10 others. The outdated infrastructure has led to significant disruptions, prompting government officials to declare a public holiday. The ongoing monsoon raises alarms about further risks, as more heavy rain is on the horizon.
Key Takeaways
- 11 fatalities reported in Karachi due to rain-related incidents.
- Severe flooding has disrupted daily life and caused power outages.
- Public holiday declared by Sindh government to manage the crisis.
- Outdated drainage systems have exacerbated the flooding.
- More heavy rains are predicted, raising concerns about future flooding.
Islamabad, Aug 20 (NationPress) In a tragic turn of events, at least 11 individuals lost their lives and 10 others were injured in Karachi, Pakistan, due to intense rainfall that inundated major thoroughfares, flooded underpasses, and disrupted everyday activities in the city, as reported by local news sources.
The Chairman of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Inam Haider Malik, has warned that the heavy downpours are expected to persist until Saturday, with another series of rain anticipated by the month’s end.
In Karachi alone, eleven fatalities were attributed to rain-induced incidents such as electrocution and the falling of concrete structures, according to Dunya News, a prominent Pakistani media outlet.
As the city’s aging sewerage and drainage systems failed amidst the deluge, commuters found themselves stranded in rising floodwaters during rush hour, while numerous neighborhoods experienced power outages, as highlighted by The Express Tribune.
In response to the crisis, Sindh's Chief Minister, Murad Ali Shah, announced a public holiday, ordering all governmental, semi-governmental, autonomous, and private institutions, including schools, to close across the province on Wednesday.
Moreover, severe rainfall affected 15 districts in Balochistan, causing the main highway connecting it to Sindh to be closed to heavy vehicles, as per provincial disaster official Muhammad Younis.
He further reported that rain-related incidents have damaged between 40 and 50 homes across two districts.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted continued heavy rains for Sindh and parts of Balochistan in the days ahead, alerting residents to the risk of urban flooding, flash floods, and damage to infrastructure.
As the monsoon wreaks havoc nationwide, leaders from the Awami Tehreek party criticized both federal and provincial governments for their inability to protect citizens during the severe rains in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan, where over 300 lives have been lost.
The leaders accused the NDMA of misappropriating funds meant for disaster response while providing minimal assistance to victims.
“The NDMA has confined itself to merely counting the deceased rather than providing substantial help,” their statement read.
They further expressed that both the Sindh government and the PDMA failed to prepare adequately.
“If the governments had prioritized saving lives over profiting from disasters, countless human and financial losses could have been avoided,” the leaders stated.
Point of View
It is crucial to highlight the ongoing struggles faced by residents in Karachi due to the extreme weather conditions. The repeated failures of disaster management authorities raise serious concerns about preparedness and response strategies. It is imperative that the government prioritizes protective measures to safeguard lives and restore order amidst the chaos. Our reporting will continue to keep the public informed and hold officials accountable.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the deaths in Karachi?
The deaths were primarily due to rain-related incidents, including electrocution and structural collapses, as heavy rainfall flooded the city and overwhelmed its drainage systems.
How many people were affected by the floods?
At least 11 people have died and 10 have been injured due to the flooding and related incidents in Karachi.
What actions has the government taken in response to the flooding?
Sindh's Chief Minister declared a public holiday for all educational and government institutions in the province to manage the situation.
Is more rain expected in the coming days?
Yes, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecasted more heavy rains in Sindh and parts of Balochistan, with warnings about urban flooding.
What criticisms have been made towards the NDMA?
Leaders from the Awami Tehreek party accused the NDMA of failing to provide adequate disaster response and misusing funds intended for disaster relief.
