Major pipeline rupture triggers urban flooding

A debilitating water crisis erupted in the metropolitan city on Monday morning after the main 84-diameter pipeline of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) ruptured near the residential block of Karachi University. As a result, millions of gallons of water was lost which inundated streets and houses within a radius of one kilometre.

As per initial reports, the pipeline burst around 9.30am, causing a forceful flow of water that submerged the surrounding area within no time. Homes were flooded, furniture and vehicles damaged, and doors destroyed as the water swept through the neighbourhood. Witnesses described the scene as resembling a flood situation, with water levels rising rapidly and no immediate response from the KWSC. Residents were angered by the delayed arrival of KWSC officials and the slow closure of the water valve, which allowed water to continue gushing for several hours. The prolonged leakage not only caused extensive damage to property but also disrupted the city's water supply network.

A KWSC spokesperson confirmed that siphon 19 of the 84-inch line had ruptured and CEO Ahmed Ali Siddiqui immediately directed emergency teams to begin repair work. Water pressure in the affected area has been deliberately reduced to ensure repair work can proceed safely, the spokesperson claimed.

"The repair work has started and will continue around the clock," the spokesperson said. "We expect to complete it within 96 hours. During this period, water supply will be partially suspended in several areas."

The affected localities include Chanesar Town, Jinnah Town, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Pak Colony, Golimar, Sher Shah, Old City Area, Landhi, Korangi, and PAF Base Masroor. Karachi, which typically receives 650 million gallons per day (mgd) of water, will now face a shortage of 250 mgd due to the ongoing repairs. Only 400 mgd will be supplied during this period.

Sources, meanwhile, confirmed that 10 pumps at the Dhabeji pumping station have been shut down due to the incident, further aggravating the crisis.

The KWSC urged people to conserve water and store supplies where possible, warning that the metropolis may face one of its worst water shortages in the coming days. Frequent pipeline failures and leakage incidents have become a recurring issue in Karachi, with similar disruptions reported every 15 to 20 days.