North Karachi struggles with stagnant water after rain

Residents demand effective drainage operations in the area before situation worsens further

KARACHI:

The aftermath of rain continues to haunt the residents of Do Minute Chowrangi, in North Karachi, as water remains stagnant on the service road even after 24 hours.

The situation became dire, with rainwater mixed with dirt and sewage flooding residential flats and shops, causing immense discomfort and disrupting local businesses in the area.

The recent monsoon system originating from the Bay of Bengal wreaked havoc on North Karachi's infrastructure, particularly impacting the service road in Sector 5A near Do Minute Chowrangi.

Moreover, the road has turned into a pond of rainwater and sewage, with 41.6 mm of rainfall inundating the area and leading to overflowing drains. While main roads have been cleared, internal roads and streets are still awaiting drainage efforts.

A resident of North Karachi Sector 5A, Ali, expressed frustration, stating that the service road gets destroyed every year even with a little rain.

"The waterlogging causes motorcycles to stop working due to water entering their exhaust pipes, whereas pedestrians are forced to take longer routes to avoid sewer-filled areas", he said.

Opposition’s criticism

Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi Ameer Engineer Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman said that the recent light spell of rains in Karachi turned roads into pools as the local government elected representatives in New Karachi have been kept deprived of powers.

Speaking at the conference, he said that a minimal spell of light rains submerged several roads in North Karachi and New Karachi areas of Karachi because the rain drains were full of sludge and garbage, whereas the concerned authorities failed to clear the drains before the hand.

Town chairmen in the affected areas worked on the self-help basis to clear the roads and drain out the rainwater, he added.

More rain prediction

Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted intermittent rains and storms in the city till July 26.

During the next three days, it is expected that the city’s weather will remain hot and humid during the day, while rain is expected with thunder and lightning, from evening to night.

On Saturday, the temperature in the city was recorded at 35.2 degrees Celsius.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2023.