Karachi has been experiencing continuous heavy rainfall since Tuesday morning, leading to widespread power outages and severe traffic congestion across the city. The Karachi Traffic Police advised motorists to exercise caution, including avoiding sudden braking, maintaining low speed, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.
At 3:37pm, the traffic police reported slow movement on several major routes:
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District South: Capri Chowk–Numaish Chowrangi, Liaquat Highway, Baba Urdu Chowk, MA Jinnah Road, Faisal Awari Tower–FTC, II Chundrigar Road, Fawara Chowk, Denso Hall, Abdullah Haroon Road
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District East: Bahadurabad, PAF Bridge–City, University Road
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District Central: Lasbela Chowk, Nipa–Sir Syed University, Guru Mandir, Jamshed Road, Jahangir Road
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District West: Gulbai Chowk, Lakdi Godi, Dabba Mor, PTC Gate
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District Malir: National Highway, Jinnah Avenue Road
Visuals from different parts of the city showed inundated roads and stranded vehicles.
Unfortunately the people of Karachi can’t even enjoy rain or think of it as a blessing because we have to suffer in every possible way. Every year this happens yet nothing changes. Please stay safe everyone. 🙃 pic.twitter.com/klcvvRLsDJ
— luna ࣪ ִֶָ☾. (@lazyyluna) August 19, 2025
Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah directed the district administration, PDMA, Rescue 1122, and the health department to remain on high alert. He also ordered immediate drainage of rainwater and instructed deputy commissioners to be present in the field with their teams while maintaining coordination with the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
Raining in karachi right nowwwww pic.twitter.com/0FkIV3Wxlz
— honey 🇵🇸 (@lonewolf__22) August 19, 2025
According to PMD, intermittent rainfall is expected throughout the day, with temperatures hovering around 28°C and humidity at 85%. By 2pm, Nazimabad had recorded the highest rainfall at 76.9mm, followed by North Karachi with 56.8mm, Surjani Town 36mm, Gulshan-i-Hadeed 35mm, and Orangi Town 31.2mm. Other areas, including Keamari, Saadi Town, DHA, Korangi, and Bahria Town, recorded between 5mm and 30mm.
Darya-e-Faisal Karachi pic.twitter.com/dYUWpAEzu9
— shanaya (@ozilinaa) August 19, 2025
K-Electric reported that 1,340 of its 2,100 feeders were operational as of 4:15pm. The utility said power in several low-lying areas had been shut off due to safety concerns, particularly where encroachments and illegal connections posed risks. Restoration work would begin once water recedes and safety clearance is given.
This is your financial backbone Karachi.. pic.twitter.com/nmMG4DY6RM
— Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) August 19, 2025
The PMD’s 4pm advisory warned of torrential rains across Sindh and parts of Balochistan from August 19–22. It cautioned of potential urban flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Sanghar, and Jamshoro, as well as flash floods in north and southeastern Balochistan. Authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures.
A day earlier, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had chaired an emergency meeting, placing all civic bodies and law enforcement agencies on high alert. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) later declared a “rain emergency,” cancelling all leaves for essential services departments. The mayor instructed the municipal services, fire brigade, and Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams to coordinate efforts through a central Rain Emergency Cell.
Meanwhile, Karachi East DIG Dr Farrukh Ali directed police officers to ensure drainage, maintain traffic flow, and be present in their jurisdictions to respond to emergencies. He stressed the protection of citizens’ lives and property, particularly in low-lying areas, and ordered rescue teams and helplines to remain active.
Traffic police also reported that water had accumulated in the Nazimabad underpass, forcing diversions via Hakim Ibne Sina Road, though they assured that traffic flow was being managed. Citizens were advised to remain cautious and contact the traffic helpline (1915) in case of difficulty.
The ongoing monsoon season, which runs from June to September, is vital for replenishing water supplies but frequently brings urban flooding, landslides, and displacement in vulnerable areas across the country.