Karachi faces massive power breakdown after Lath Dam overflow

Many areas plunge into darkness after K-Electric suspends supply from KDA Grid Station

KARACHI: Many areas of the city plunged into darkness on Tuesday night after K-Electric, the city’s power utility, suspended supply to feeders associated with the KDA Grid Station at Gulzar-e-Hijri Scheme 33 due to flooding.

Sohrab Goth, Abul Hassan Isphahani Road, Super Highway and KWSB’s NEK Pumping station among few other areas were the first to be affected, the power distribution company announced on social media.

“Monsoon downpour has caused Lath Dam near Super Highway to overflow. The floodwater has entered K-Electric’s KDA Grid station, one of the most critical grids of KE’s 220kV grid and an interconnection point between KE and NTDC. As an emergency safety measure we are forced to suspend supply to feeders associated with this grid,” it said.

Life remains paralysed as rains continue to lash Karachi

K-Electric warned that it may be forced to completely shut down power from this grid station to ensure safety of the staff and equipment. “We are working closely with all authorities to control this situation. All possible resources including trenches, water pumps and sand bags around the grid have been deployed to block the water,” it added.

Overflow of Lath Dam creates critical situation at KDA Grid.(4)

We are working closely with all authorities to control this situation. All possible resources including trenches, water pumps and sand bags around the grid have been deployed to block the water.

— KE (@KElectricPk) July 30, 2019

However, due to importance of the grid to the KE network, power supply would also be affected to several areas including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Azizabad, Liaquatabad, Malir, FB Area, Surjani Town, Shadman Town, Gulistan-e-Johar and Shah Faisal Colony among many others if water level continued to rise.

The K-Electric said the armed forces troops had also arrived on the spot to 'support our efforts'. "All possible resources including trenches, water pumps and sand bags around the grid have been deployed to block the water and our teams are on ground to manage this emergency," it added.

Overflow of Lath Dam creates critical situation at KDA Grid. (8)
Pakistan Army has come to support our efforts. All possible resources including trenches, water pumps & sand bags around the grid have been deployed to block the water & our teams are on ground to manage situation. pic.twitter.com/27EWjlKv8T

— KE (@KElectricPk) July 30, 2019

The day-to-day life has remained paralysed after the current spell of rainfall lashed the port city for the second consecutive day with at least 15 dead in different rain-related incidents.

Floodwater entered different areas of Manghopir, Saadi Town and Superhighway after Thado and Lath dams overflowed.

The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) said that the Pakistan Army was called in to assist with the rescue operation in the affected areas.

Major parts of Karachi also faced prolonged power outages and some areas remained without electricity for more than 24 hours. Major thoroughfares also remained inundated affecting traffic and commute.