Celebs livid over chaos in Karachi after record-breaking rain

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?” 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!”

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.”

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?”

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!” 

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.  

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).” 

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.  

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.”

 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.

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.”