Rain not over yet: More showers ahead for Karachi, Met Office says

A weather system formed over India’s Rann of Kutch triggered widespread rainfall in Karachi on Tuesday, bringing relief from the intense heat but also causing partial urban flooding in some areas. However, the system is expected to persist, with light showers and drizzle likely in Sindh on Wednesday.

Karachi experienced varied rainfall across different areas, with gusty winds blowing at 45 km per hour during the showers. The highest rainfall of 33.7mm was recorded at the Old Airport, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

PAF Faisal Base received 29mm; DHA Phase II, 26.8mm; Gulshan-e-Hadeed, 25mm; Jinnah Terminal, 20.8mm; and Korangi 20.5mm; University Road, 8.4mm; Keamari, 7.5mm; and Nazimabad recorded 1.4mm. The lowest rainfall was recorded at PAF Base Masroor, with just 1mm. The heaviest downpour was seen along Sharea Faisal, Clifton, Korangi, Sher Shah, Baldia Town, and Saddar.

Low pressure likely to intensify into depression

The system is expected to persist with light showers and drizzle in Karachi on Wednesday. "The low pressure over the Rann of Kutch will likely intensify into a depression within the next 24 to 36 hours before moving into the Arabian Sea," said Anjum Nazir Zigham, spokesperson for the PMD.

The Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre has cautioned that under unfavorable sea conditions and high waves, fishermen should avoid venturing into the deep sea until October 2. Winds over the Arabian Sea may reach 45-55 km/h, making sea dangerously rough.

Forecasters said the system could further intensify due to high sea surface temperatures and upper-air divergence which may bring thunderstorms and light to moderate rain in Tharparkar, Umerkot, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushero Feroze, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Thatta, Sujawal, Tando Muhammad Khan, and Tando Allahyar districts, while parts of Matiari and Karachi Division may also receive showers until October 1.

Meteorologists noted that while temperatures will gradually drop after the rainfall, October generally remains warm in Karachi, with past records showing the mercury touching 40°C. 

Karachi's traffic chaos

A heavy downpour in Karachi disrupted the city’s traffic system once again, leaving commuters stranded in long traffic jams. Several key roads and highways were flooded, severely affecting traffic flow and causing major delays for thousands of citizens.

The city's road network, including vital routes like Korangi Road, Qayyumabad Chowrangi, Shahrah-e-Jamshed, and several others, became submerged due to the rainfall. This led to severe congestion, with vehicles lining up for hours.

Citizens faced a frustrating ordeal as they were forced to endure nerve-wracking delays, with many taking hours to complete what would typically be a short journey.

Despite efforts from traffic police, the situation worsened as the traffic force was unable to manage the overwhelming congestion. "The rainwater caused motorcycles to stall, further complicating the situation for many citizens," said one commuter. Public transport also suffered as many passengers, including women, were forced to walk to their destinations due to broken down buses.

Vehicles stuck in traffic jam on Korangi Road during light rain. Photo: Jalal Qureshi/Express

Key areas, including Nursery, Korangi Crossing, and others, were particularly affected, with vehicles stuck for hours in the flooded streets. "Our motorcycles malfunctioned in the rain, and we had no choice but to push them on foot," said one biker.

The disruption highlighted the inefficiency of local authorities, particularly the traffic police, who could not maintain the flow of traffic. Commuters expressed frustration, with many blaming both the local government and the traffic police for the lack of preparedness to handle such situations.

"The rain and the lack of proper drainage expose the failure of local authorities in managing the city’s infrastructure effectively," said another citizen.

The situation worsened by lack of planning, diverting the traffic to alternative routes and the poor condition of roads, making the commute difficult for everyone. With Karachi’s traffic system already under strain, the rain once again exposed the tall claims of authorities.