Karachi, September 1, 2024 — A relentless five-day downpour has left Karachi’s roads in utter disarray, exposing severe vulnerabilities in the city’s infrastructure. The torrential rains have resulted in widespread damage, with key thoroughfares collapsing, sewage systems failing, and major roads becoming impassable.
Areas such as Clifton, Korangi, Tariq Road, and University Road are among the hardest hit, where streets are marred by massive potholes, shattered surfaces, and overflowing sewers. The damage has led to significant traffic congestion and a surge in accidents, creating a perilous environment for both drivers and pedestrians.
The Sindh government and municipal agencies have been engaged in urgent efforts to address the crisis, including pumping out accumulated rainwater and attempting to repair the compromised sewage infrastructure. Despite these efforts, the persistent rains have compounded the damage, leaving large sections of the city submerged and posing serious health risks due to the mingling of rainwater and sewage.
Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani has underscored that clearing the floodwaters remains the government’s primary focus. He has assured that comprehensive repair work will be initiated once the monsoon season ends, though the timeline for these repairs remains uncertain.
Criticism has intensified from opposition parties, including Jamaat-i-Islami and Muttahida Qaumi Movement Pakistan, who have accused the government of negligence and corruption. They argue that substantial funds designated for infrastructure maintenance and drainage have not translated into effective action, leaving Karachi in a state of devastation.
As the city grapples with the aftermath of the storm, the debate over the adequacy of the government’s response and the future of Karachi’s infrastructure remains at the forefront of public discourse.
