The Sindh government announced the closure of all public and private schools and colleges in Karachi for Thursday due to a forecast of heavy rainfall, following severe flooding earlier in the week. Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah stated that the decision prioritises student safety, extending Wednesday’s public holiday and institutional closures.
Heavy rains on August 19 inundated Karachi, submerging roads and paralysing daily activities. Areas like Gulshan-i-Hadeed (170 mm) and Nazimabad (149.6 mm) faced significant waterlogging, with urban flooding exposing the city’s inadequate drainage systems. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warns of continued showers, prompting heightened vigilance to prevent further disruptions.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, during an emergency visit, emphasised the need for a state-of-the-art 100-meter rainwater drainage system, stating, “Karachi will have to be dug up again to build resilience against future floods.” He chaired an emergency meeting to oversee dewatering efforts and urged coordination among local bodies to clear roads and drains. Mayor Murtaza Wahab’s rain emergency measures, including deploying Rescue 1122, aim to mitigate ongoing risks.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) advises residents to:
- Avoid flooded areas and limit travel.
- Stay clear of electrical installations to prevent electrocution.
- Use the NDMA Disaster Alert App for real-time updates.
Authorities are working to restore normalcy, with emergency teams on standby to assist affected communities.
Read: Karachi Declares Public Holiday, School Closures Amid Heavy Rains
Karachi’s recurring monsoon flooding highlights the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades. CM Shah’s call for a modern drainage system aims to address systemic issues, ensuring the city of over 20 million can better withstand extreme weather events linked to climate change.
