The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), under the leadership of Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, successfully managed the impact of heavy and intermittent rainfall across various parts of the city today, ensuring timely drainage and minimal disruption to daily life.
Despite the intensity and unpredictability of the rainfall, KMC had already declared an emergency and high alert across all relevant departments. Proactive measures, including continuous monitoring and cleaning of stormwater drains, deployment of field teams at key locations, and installation of dewatering pumps and heavy machinery at vulnerable points, played a crucial role in effectively managing the situation.
Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab personally supervised the operations and remained present on the ground, visiting several major arteries and affected areas, including M.A. Jinnah Road, Shahrah-e-Liaquat, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Sir Shah Suleman Road, Munawar Suhrawardy Underpass, Johar Mor, North Nazimabad, KDA Chowrangi, and other parts of the city.
While a limited number of complaints were reported, particularly from Shahrah-e-Faisal near Nursery, the situation was promptly addressed. Due to the naturally low-lying topography of the area, rainwater accumulated; however, KMC teams responded swiftly with the deployment of dewatering pumps and machinery, ensuring clearance within a short period. All major underpasses remained operational, and roads were kept open for traffic. Temporary water accumulation was effectively managed through timely intervention, and the overall situation across KMC’s jurisdiction remained under control.
Speaking to the media during his visit, the Mayor stated that KMC teams, in close coordination with Water Corporation officials, district administration, Town Municipal Corporation (TMC) representatives, and law enforcement agencies, were actively working in a coordinated manner to address the situation. He noted that traffic congestion in certain areas was further aggravated by abnormal traffic flow and violations, including wrong-way driving, which contributed to temporary blockages on major roads.
Mayor Wahab urged citizens to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities, assuring them that all available resources were being utilized to restore normalcy at the earliest. He further stated that he would continue to remain in the field until the situation is fully brought under control, while all control rooms have been activated and are fully functional to promptly address public complaints and emergencies.
Following continuous efforts and timely interventions by KMC teams, a significant volume of rainwater was drained from major roads, underpasses, and low-lying areas. As a result, traffic flow across the city largely returned to normal after 6:00 PM.
City Wardens and emergency response teams also remained active throughout the operation, conducting rescue and assistance activities. Citizens facing difficulties were assisted promptly, and immediate relief was provided where required.
KMC Pre-Rain Preparedness Measures:
Clearance of 50 major choking points over the past two weeks
Deployment of teams at 8 major nullahs
12 mobile teams equipped with dewatering pumps at vulnerable locations
10 teams stationed on key connecting roads
Deployment of heavy machinery, including excavators, dumpers, and dewatering pumps
Traffic wardens deployed at more than 10 major underpasses and arterial roads
Establishment of 8 Traffic Warden camps across the city
During the visit, Municipal Commissioner Karachi Abrar Jaffar, Managing Director Water Corporation Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, Chief Operating Officer Asad Ullah Khan, Director Media KMC Daniyal Siyal, Director City Wardens Saim Imran, and other senior officials accompanied the Mayor.