Karachi struggles as monsoon rains disrupt traffic and sewage systems

Despite ongoing monsoon season, municipal authorities fail to implement effective measures

KARACHI:

Heavy rainfall in Karachi throughout the day caused significant disruptions, with rainwater accumulating on various roads and overflowing sewage systems adding to the chaos.

Garbage heaps floated in the rainwater, and sewage water mixed with the rainwater on the streets, creating severe difficulties for residents.

Many areas, including the old city area, Soldier Bazaar, Saddar, Urdu Bazaar, Keamari, Bahadurabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Tariq Road, Mehmoodabad, and University Road, were severely affected as traffic flow was disrupted.

Despite the ongoing monsoon season, municipal authorities failed to implement effective measures, leaving citizens to bear the brunt of the inadequate preparations.

The ongoing light to heavy rains exacerbated the situation, with garbage piles scattered across roads, causing a foul stench and unhygienic conditions.

The city's drainage system crumbled under pressure, with overflowing gutters and sewage water mingling with rainwater on the streets.

At Five Star Chowrangi, a 24-inch sewer line collapsed, while sewage water flooded streets in Hasan Square, Soldier Bazaar, Ramswami, and the surrounding areas of Saddar.

Citizens in areas like Tariq Road, Bahadurabad, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Federal B Area, Nazimabad, University Road, Korangi, Landhi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Surjani Town, and Orangi Town faced immense challenges due to the combination of rain and sewage water.

The ongoing monsoon system in Karachi is expected to persist until September, yet the response from municipal bodies, including the Water Corporation and Sindh Solid Waste Management Board, has been limited to mere assurances.

Despite predictions of heavy rains from the Meteorological Department in the coming days, no substantial preparations have been made to address the situation.