Celebs livid over chaos in Karachi after record-breaking rain

Many including Yasir Hussain, Ayesha Omer, Shaan Shahid have asked the authorities to take action

Karachi plunged into chaos on Friday with urban flooding and subsequent power cuts caused by heavy monsoon rain, as authorities said at least 23 people had been killed in the downpour. 

The record-breaking torrential rainfall flooded major city streets, damaged numerous homes, and less than 24 hours later, the Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD) predicted another spell of thunderstorms headed towards Sindh, including the port city, from Saturday to Monday.

While most have been stretched to their limits, several celebrities have also been expressing their grief and anger on social media. One of the first to question the state Karachi is in was activist and social media personality Shaniera Akram who, on Wednesday, asked fans how a state of emergency had not been declared yet.

Electrocution, drowning, irreversible damage to property, poisoning, cross contamination, hepatitis, dysentery, typhoid, risk of polio outbreak, not to mention the diseases associated with mosquito infestation like dengue and malaria! How is Karachi not in a state of emergency?? https://t.co/KVBtSM77Rp

— Shaniera Akram (@iamShaniera) August 25, 2020

“Electrocution, drowning, irreversible damage to property, poisoning, cross contamination, hepatitis, dysentery, typhoid, risk of polio outbreak, not to mention the diseases associated with mosquito infestation like dengue and malaria! How is Karachi not in a state of emergency?” she posted. 

As the situation worsened, on Thursday, Meray Paas Tum Ho star Humayun Saeed took to Twitter saying, “Prayers for everyone's safety and well-being. Please help anyone you can in whatever way possible in this extremely challenging situation. May Allah protect us all!”

Prayers for everyone's safety and well-being. Please help anyone you can in whatever way possible in this extremely challenging situation. May Allah protect us all

— Humayun Saeed (@iamhumayunsaeed) August 27, 2020

Actor Fakhr-e-Alam also chimed in. “Karachi has been in a state of denial. It baffles everyone that the country’s largest city has only regressed over time. I say this with no political bias; just as a citizen. It is almost like the people of Karachi have been abandoned.”

Karachi has been in a state of denial....it baffles everyone that the country’s largest city has only regressed over time. I say this with no political bias just as a citizen. It is almost like people of Karachi have been abandoned. #Karachi https://t.co/yEVPp6GM7W

— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) August 25, 2020

Bulbulay beauty Ayesha Omar asked if any help was coming for the people, given the national emergency. “With the videos I’m seeing, the stories I’m hearing, it’s a national emergency situation. People are homeless, stuck on the streets or being swept away. Are there relief packages being prepared? Is help coming? When?”

With the videos I’m seeing, the stories I’m hearing, its a National Emergency situation. People are homeless, stuck on the streets, or being swept away. Are there relief packages being prepared? Is help coming? When? @MuradAliShahPPP #SindhGovt #KarachiSinks #KarachiRain

— Ayesha Omar (@ayesha_m_omar) August 27, 2020

Iqra Aziz shared a video of people walking in the flood. She said, “An absolutely heartbreaking state of affairs! Karachi needs immediate attention, followed by urgent corrective action.” The Ranjha Ranjha Kardi starlet went on to claim that the situation was a result of “the absolute apathy of those in positions power” and asked for the system to change. “Enough of all the tall claims – time to walk the talk!” 

An absolutely heartbreaking state of affairs! #Karachi needs immediate attention followed by urgent corrective action. The situation resulting from the absolute apathy of those in positions power must change. Enough of all the tall claims - time to walk the talk.

#KarachiRain pic.twitter.com/TjPW1ml95o

— IqraAzizHussain (@iqraazizhussain) August 26, 2020

Urwa Hocane, on the other hand, showed a mirror to everyone pointing figures at the government’s failure to address its shortcomings. “No doubt the government didn’t care about the city but did we? Time to stop complaining and do something on our own to fix at least the issues in our own colonies. We can’t even stop throwing garbage everywhere. The government doesn’t have a magic wand!” she said.  

1/2 No doubt the government didn’t care about the city but did we ! time to stop complaining & do something on our own & fix atleast our own colony issues in Karachi ! We can’t even stop throwing the garbage everywhere we like. Gov doesn’t have a magic wand! #KarachiRains

— URWA HOCANE (@VJURWA) August 27, 2020

Although the issue of littering could have been addressed at a lesser problematic time, the actor continued, “It’s the people who have to work hand in hand with the government! How many of you can come up with a solution? Sab kuch government ka kaam nahi hota. Khud bhi kuch sochein, haath pe haath rakh ke baithnay k ilawa! (Not everything is the job of the government. Try to come up with solutions yourself instead of just sitting around).” 

2/2 It’s the people who have to work hand in hand with the gov ! How many of you can come up with a solution. Why don’t we start somewhere . Sab kuch government ka kaam nahi hota. Khud bhi kuch sochein, haath pey haath rakh k baithnay k ilawa ! #KarachiRains

— URWA HOCANE (@VJURWA) August 27, 2020

Several followers called Hocane out for being “insensitive” and assuming that they were sitting idle. But other celebrities continued to voice their concerns. “Phase 5 DHA… imagine this is one of the most expensive residential areas of Karachi. Stay home, stay safe, everyone,” said designer Asim Jofa, while sharing a distressing video.  

Phase 5 DHA ... imagine this is One of the most expensive residential area of Karachi ... Stay home Stay safe everyone 🙏 #KarachiRain pic.twitter.com/lSKccNaac2

— Asim Jofa (@asimjofa) August 27, 2020

Whereas, Aijaz Aslam highlighted the power outage which lasted for over 30 hours in several areas of the city. “30% of Karachi is paralysed by the rain and 70% by K-Electric. No electricity for the past 30 hours. All communication systems have failed since petrol stations are also closed and no diesel available to run generators.” He went on to demand answers from the Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan, in a follow up tweet. “Dear PM, we need answers. Please.”

30% of Karachi is paralyzed by the rain & 70% by k electric .. no electricity for the past 30 hours all communication systems have failed since petrol stations are also closed & no diesel available to run generators #KarachiRain #KarachiSinksNoOneThinks #CORRUPTION pic.twitter.com/pBRpHZ9Oj5

— aijaz aslam (@aijazz7) August 28, 2020

 Renowned actor Shaan Shahid, on the other hand, shared an introspective query with respect to the situation. “When the light comes back, it will take away the light of hope. We will forget it ever happened and start living our lives (like we do). But for how long? What good is freedom if this is the life freedom brings?” he posted.

When The light comes back it will take away the light of hope .. as we will forget it ever happened &will start living our lives .. but till when ? What good is freedom if this is the life freedom brings ? . Be your #voice .#unite #unitekhi #risekhi #powertothepeopleofkhi♥️🙏🏼

— Shaan Shahid (@mshaanshahid) August 27, 2020

Via a video, singer-cum-actor Khaled Anam greeted his fans and mentioned the tickers he saw on a news channel about how Khan had not and would not abandon Karachi. He said, “With due respect, sir, this is a crisis and we are alone. I just wanted to convey this.” 

 

@ptiofficial @imrankhan.pti #چماٹ

Posted by Khaled Anam on Thursday, August 27, 2020

Ali Zafar simply sent out a prayer for those in need. “Pakistan needs to come together for Karachi. May God have mercy on its residents.” 

Pakistan needs to come together for Karachi. May God have mercy on the residents. #KarachiRains

— Ali Zafar (@AliZafarsays) August 27, 2020

Television actor Yasir Hussain, on the contrary, shared an image of the flood on his Instagram story. “There is no light or gas and the water won’t go anywhere since that has been left upon the Sun. Why do you charge us for electricity? Just attach solar panels everywhere and be gone,” he wrote. “When the water dries up, everything will go back to normal and people will wait to post about the same issue next year. The system needs to change!”

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