City plunges into dark after rains

Severe traffic jams reported on main arteries and roundabouts

KARACHI:

The city on Saturday evening received heavy rains due to the influence of the westerly system entering the city from Balochistan. Stronger-than-normal winds blew at many places at a speed of 34 kilometers per hour.

The city will experience intermittent rain on Sunday as well. Black clouds covered he sky throughout the day, while at night, rain started from the suburbs of the city including, Gadap Town, Malir, Superhighway, Kathore, M-9 Motorway and Surjani Town.

Later, the system spread across the city, resulting in light rain and drizzle in North Karachi, Gulistan-e-Johar, Bahadurabad, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Saddar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Sharfabad, Tariq Road, Bahadurabad, Purani Sabzi Mandi, Jail Road, and Old City areas including, Garden East, West , Soldier Bazar, Ramswami and others.

After heavy rains, the electricity system collapsed in most of the city areas collapsed as more than 800 feeders tripped, plunging the city into darkness. Power could not be restored in most areas till late at night. According to the spokesperson for K Electric, electricity was switched off in various areas as security measures.

Read 700 power feeders trip as heavy rains cause urban flooding in Karachi

The affected areas, where electricity supply was suspended included Korangi, Landhi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Gulistan-eJohar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Federal B Area, Liaquatabad, PIB Colony, Baldia Town, Orangi Town, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Ahsanabad, Mahmudabad, Defence, Clifton, Bahadurabad and many other localities. K Electric once again could not keep its system active. There are more than 2,000 feeders in Karachi, but K-Electric could not provide uninterrupted power supply in the city. However, K-E claimed that its power network is stable. Power supply continued to almost 1,600 feeders out of 2,100. Power supply was temporarily suspended to a few areas prone to waterlogging or with a high prevalence of kundas which could create safety hazards. These areas are being restored after receiving clearance from field teams, the K-E spokesperson said, adding, power supply has been restored to areas including Khalid bin Waleed colony, Bath Island, Orangi sector 11-A, FB Area Block 2,3, 14, Gulshan-e-Hadeed Phase 2, North Karachi sector 4, Liaquatabad # 2, and 3, Akhtar Colony, Korangi Road, North Nazimabad Block L & M, and Asif Colony.

The K-E has advised people to be careful when using electrical appliances during rainy season. Unsafe use of electrical equipment such as water motors in rain and standing water can cause accidents.

Due to water accumulation in low-lying areas, power may remain shut temporarily as a precautionary measure. K Electric is monitoring the situation and field staff are on high alert.

The spokesperson further said that the social media channels, KE Live App are the fastest ways to reach the company in case of any emergency or lodge a complaint. The K-E has also advised the people to remain indoors and avoid going out unnecessarily.