Intermittent rains flood Jaranwala's bazaars
looming disaster: A street is inundated with sewage due to clogged gutter lines in a neighborhood in Karachi. The city's rickety infrastructure is unlikely to bear the rains and urban flooding seems imminent. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Continuous rains on Friday led to a flood-like situation in the eight bazaars surrounding the clock tower intersection, causing significant disruptions for citizens buying essential kitchen items.
The Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) officials recorded a maximum of 96 mm of rain in Allama Iqbal Colony.
Heavy rainfall was also recorded in Ghulam Muhammad Abad (84mm), Madina Town (82mm), Dogar Basti (79mm) and Gulistan Colony (73mm).
In response to the heavy downpour, WASA Managing Director Aamir Aziz issued strict directives to field staff to mobilise in low-lying areas and take emergency measures to drain rainwater from houses, streets, and bazaars.
Nineteen emergency relief camps, established across Faisalabad at the onset of the monsoon season in July 2024, were activated to address the situation.
MD WASA Aamir Aziz stated that teams were working around the clock to manage water drainage at locations where rainwater had accumulated due to continuous rainfall.
Heavy machinery and additional manpower were dispatched to the affected areas, and all equipment was made operational at ponding points to handle any emergencies.
Additionally, technical staff members who were on leave were called back to assist with the situation.
Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir also visited various bazaars and streets where rainwater had flooded, leaving citizens in difficult conditions.