Karachi Rains: Death Toll Rises to Seven, Hundreds Rescued as Malir and Lyari Rivers Overflow

Staff Reporter

Karachi:The death toll from rain-related incidents in Karachi rose to seven on Wednesday, with more than 300 people relocated to safety as heavy monsoon rains swelled the Malir and Lyari rivers, the city’s main storm drains.

Rescue services confirmed that four more lives were lost today, raising the toll from the last two days to seven, while three people remain missing.

According to the Edhi Foundation, a van carrying four passengers plunged into the rain-filled Konkar Nadi in Gadap Town. Rescuers recovered the bodies of Nabu Gulab (60), Raja Gulab (45), and Javed Shah (45), while search efforts for the missing person are still underway.

In a separate incident, police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed confirmed the death of 18-year-old Ahmed Qadir from North Nazimabad due to an electric shock.

Rescue 1122 reported that two people were swept away in the Malir river; one survivor, identified as Mustafa Ali Gul, was rescued, while search continues for Farhan Akram. Two others trapped in the Lyari river were also rescued alive.

CM Refutes Malir Expressway Collapse Rumors

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah dismissed reports of Shahrah-i-Bhutto (Malir Expressway) caving in, clarifying that the collapsed section was still under construction. “There is no issue. The operational part of the highway is safe for traffic,” he said.

Rainfall Records and Flooding Impact

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), DHA Phase 7 received the highest rainfall at 32.6mm, followed by PAF Masroor Base (20mm), Keamari (19mm), and Korangi (18.9mm). Other areas recorded between 3–16mm of rain.

Floodwaters entered Saadi Town, where 318 residents were rescued and relocated. CM Shah, accompanied by provincial ministers, visited flood-hit areas including Lyari river, Jinnah Avenue, and Shahrah-i-Bhutto Expressway to oversee dewatering operations.

In rural Sindh, several hundred straw-mud houses were washed away in Tharparkar and Dadu districts, which continue to face intermittent heavy rains.

Schools Closed, Relief Operations Ordered

The Sindh government has announced the closure of all schools in Karachi Division following forecasts of more rain.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the deaths and instructed the NDMA to expedite relief efforts in coordination with the Sindh Disaster Management Authority (SDMA). He praised the Pakistan Army, Rangers, and Rescue 1122 for their ongoing rescue operations.

“The federal and Sindh governments are fully mobilised to deal with the flood situation. Relief and rehabilitation of affected families is the top priority,” the PM said.