KARACHI:
As expected, the heavy monsoon spell wreaked havoc on Karachi’s dilapidated infrastructure and led to power outages in several areas. Despite being aware of the likelihood of heavy monsoon rains and subsequent urban flooding, the municipal authorities and other departments failed to take any precautionary measures.
Following the moderate to heavy rain showers on Thursday, many low-lying areas of the city were submerged by rainwater. Several embankments collapsed including the newly constructed embankment at Gujjar Nala resulting in flooding in different residential areas. Power outages obstructed traffic signals, roads were blocked due to the accumulation of rainwater, and traffic police were absent to regulate the traffic. Thus, traffic slowed down in most parts of the city. Areas with alternative drainage systems saw some traffic movement whilst others inundated with water experienced hours-long traffic jams. Many localities also experienced prolonged load shedding.
The prediction of more rains in the coming week is worrisome for most Karachiites as there is a grave risk of urban flooding and load shedding. It is high time that the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board, and the municipal authorities assume their responsibility and relieve Karachiites of their misery. Sewerage lines should be cleaned, and alternative drainage systems must be created.
Ashfaq Sharif
Karachi
Published in The Express Tribune, July 9th, 2022.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
