Cloudburst – bane for some, boon for others

Demand for technicians surge as Karachiites brave after-effects of torrential rains

KARACHI:

The recent record-breaking rains in Karachi have devastated infrastructure of the metropolis, causing massive amount of trouble for its residents. It is not all gloomy for everyone, though.

The downpour flooded many residential areas and damaged roofs of thousands of houses in the port city, causing damages to the electrical appliances including fans, irons, washing machines, juicers and water motors.

The sudden surge in demand has provided technicians an opportunity to make some quick bucks.

"In normal days, I repair fans every other day as they get damaged from short circuit easily. However, this time around rains have also taken toll on irons, washing machines, water motors and other home appliances. Now the workload at repairs shops is extraordinarily high," Imran, a craftsman in Punjab Colony, told The Express Tribune.

He said that the first priority is to repair water motors and fans as they are most critical home appliances. “A reasonable amount is being charged in exchange of services for the repair of electrical items.”

New fans and motors, he said, are expensive so people are getting the old appliances repaired.

The devastation caused by the recent torrential rains in Karachi has given rise to an old chronic issue as the city is littered with garbage everywhere while pools of mud can also be seen in different areas.

The claims of the federal, provincial and local governments in the port city were limited to the roads and main thoroughfares but the residential areas have been ignored.

The localities linking to Gujjar Nullah, FC Area, Punjab Colony, Musa Colony and Christian Colony were badly hit as rainwater still remains accumulated in many houses.

Many residents of these areas have already been evacuated while others were also trying to do the same. The people are urging the government to take all necessary measures and “residential areas should be cleaned on an emergency basis”.

They also insisted that the affected families be given a relief package.

A safety barrier should be constructed around Gujjar Nullah so that people can avoid future rains and overflow, they said.