Karachi grapples with rain havoc

Citizens stranded on inundated roads; electioneering disrupted

KARACHI:

Saturday's downpour in the metropolis wreaked havoc, literally paralysing the routine life. The repercussions lingered into Sunday, witnessing thousands stranded overnight on rain-drenched streets, leaving behind damaged vehicles and disrupted routines.

The deluge crippled Karachi for several hours, with flooded roads and accumulated sewage creating widespread difficulties. Election activities took a back seat as political parties shifted focus to door-to-door campaigning amidst the chaos.

The one-hour rain on Saturday swamped the entire city, affecting both main roads and inner streets. Pedestrians faced challenges navigating waterlogged areas, with thousands forced to abandon their vehicles, leading to extensive damage to motorcycles.

Disturbingly, exorbitant rickshaw fares, reaching up to Rs2,000 for short distances, added to citizens' plight.

Despite the dire situation, the Karachi Municipal Corporation (KMC) failed to implement adequate water drainage measures. The city mayor's visits to different areas revealed a scene of destruction, highlighting the inefficacy of local government representatives, including town supervisors from various political affiliations.

Rescue services, especially Rescue 1122, were conspicuously absent during the crisis, exacerbating the challenges faced by citizens. Sindh Solid Waste Management Board's failure to provide relief further compounded the situation.

The rain not only disrupted daily life but also cast a shadow over political activities. Political parties postponed scheduled events, while the TLP convened a meeting to assess the situation.

Elected local government representatives found themselves in a challenging position as citizens criticised their response, opening opportunities for rival political parties to exploit the situation.

As Karachi gears up for the upcoming general elections, the rain-induced difficulties pose a challenge for political parties seeking votes. While the long-term impact on the political landscape remains uncertain, the immediate aftermath paints a grim picture of the citizens' plight after enduring 10 to 12 hours of hardship.

Despite the predicament, local government-affiliated political parties face an uphill battle as they strive to connect with the public for votes amidst the aftermath of the rain. The coming days will reveal the lasting impact of this rain-induced crisis on the city and its political dynamics.

Wall-less nullah annihilates another life

The body of a 45-year-old unidentified man was found in the drain of Baldia Town No2 within the limits of the SITE-B police station around midnight on Saturday.

On receiving the information, the police reached the spot and after taking the body into custody, shifted it to Dr Ruth KM Pfau Civil Hospital mortuary.

SITE-B SHO Muhammad Masood said police were searching for the heirs of the deceased, who were finally located.

The victim of the city authority’s incompetence, Syed Muhammad Fakhr Alam, was a resident of Baldia Town Sector 5L and was employed at a factory named Kausar Dyeing in the SITE area.

According to SHO Masood, the deceased Syed Muhammad Fakhr Alam had left home to go on duty during the heavy rain in the city on Saturday night and went missing.

His body was found in the Nallah on Sunday morning. He suspected that the deceased fell into the Nallah that had no safety wall.

Police have handed over the body of the deceased to his brother Syed Tanveer Alam after legal proceedings.

In a separate incident, a young man died due to electrocution at his home in the Jut Lines area. Family of 19-year-old Dilawar said he got a fatal shock from a naked electric wire during the rain.

Meanwhile, two people were injured due to the fall of the wall of China Park on Kashmir Road in Ferozabad area. Edhi volunteers took them to Jinnah Hospital for immediate medical assistance.

According to rescue officials, the victims were identified as 65-year-old Junaid and 35-year-old Waseem

Roof collapse

Roof of a house collapsed in Moinabad, Shrafi Goth leaving two women injured.

Per Sharafi Goth police 26-year-old Samar and 40-year-old Firdous were injured when the delipidated roof of their house caved in during the heavy rainfall. They were rushed to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. SSP Malir Tariq Elahi Mastoi has issued instructions that Malir district police is always vigilant to protect the lives and property of its citizens. SSP Malir has directed all DSPs and SHOs to help the rain-affected citizens in their respective areas.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, February 5^th, 2024.