Karachi chokes under floodwater and sewage

Fresh spell of heavy monsoon rains in Karachi brought life to standstill, forcing authorities on Tuesday to close key routes including the Korangi Causeway, Korangi Crossing, and the Gulshan-e-Hadeed link road to Hyderabad.

The situation aggravated when city’s sewerage system collapsed and overflowing sewage mixed with rainwater, flooding the roads and lanes.

At Godown Chowrangi in Korangi, authorities shut the road leading to Mahmoodabad and diverted the traffic to Jam Sadiq Bridge and Malir Expressway through Qayyumabad. Likewise, the Korangi Crossing towards Qayyumabad was closed, re-routing vehicles via CNG Cutting and Godown Chowrangi.

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Flooding in the Malir River further forced closure of the Gulshan-e-Hadeed link road connecting the National Highway to the Superhighway. While commuters face disruption, traffic police are on the ground, guiding motorists to safe detours.

The city's sewage system collapsed under rainwater, flooding streets with pungent, stagnant water. Affected areas include Gulistan-e-Johar (Blocks 14 and 15), Federal B Area, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Liaquatabad, University Road, Landhi, Korangi, North Karachi, and North Nazimabad. Even mosques in these areas are surrounded by foul water, affecting worshippers.

Residents expressed outrage at the Water Corporation’s failure to address the crisis. “Newly-built roads and the Johar underpass are also flooded by the sewage,” lamented one local.

Citizens demand urgent measures by authorities and departments concerned, including the Water Corporation and Water Board to address the issue. “The situation is unbearable,” one resident appealed, urging swift relief from this double crisis.