Karachi residents woke up to another round of relentless monsoon downpours on August 21, 2025, extending the chaos from the previous days. The city, already reeling from record rainfall, saw more flooding that disrupted daily routines, claimed lives, and prompted authorities to keep schools shut for safety.
Widespread Flooding and Casualties
The Pakistan Meteorological Department logged staggering rainfall figures over the past 48 hours, with Korangi topping the list at 259 millimeters, followed by Gulistan-e-Jauhar at 250 millimeters and Gulshan-e-Hadeed at 245 millimeters. These totals, far above average, overwhelmed drainage networks, turning major streets into waterways and stranding thousands.
At least 17 people have died in rain-related accidents since August 19, including cases of drowning, electrocution from downed wires, and structural collapses in areas like Gulistan-e-Jauhar and Orangi Town. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah called for caution, stressing the need to steer clear of flooded zones and electrical risks. “Teams are on the ground to handle drainage and support those affected,” he stated during a briefing.
School and Office Closures Amid Safety Fears
The Sindh government extended closures for all public and private schools and colleges in Karachi through August 21, citing persistent bad weather and risks to students. This follows a public holiday declared on August 20, when offices and businesses were also shut to limit exposure to hazards.
Power supplier K-Electric reported outages impacting hundreds of feeders, with repairs slowed by waterlogged sites. Mayor Murtaza Wahab activated emergency cells, directing rescue units and police to clear paths and aid residents. The National Disaster Management Authority noted over 750 monsoon deaths nationwide since June, highlighting Karachi’s vulnerability due to poor urban planning.
- Key affected areas: Shahrah-e-Faisal, Malir, and Scheme 33, where traffic remained jammed for hours.
- Safety tips from officials: Avoid low-lying spots, secure homes against leaks, and monitor alerts via apps.
Airport Operations Hit Hard
Jinnah International Airport dealt with delays and cancellations as rain hammered the tarmac. Flights to destinations like Islamabad, Quetta, and international routes to Jeddah faced setbacks, with one plane turning back mid-journey. The airport area itself recorded 163.5 millimeters of rain, the highest since 1979, complicating landings and takeoffs.
Passengers were advised to check statuses before heading out, as ground transport to the airport was also bogged down by floods.
Relief Measures and Weather Outlook
Rescue operations ramped up, with volunteers and agencies pumping water from key spots and distributing aid in hard-hit neighborhoods. The PMD predicts scattered showers continuing until August 23, with potential for more heavy spells in Sindh districts like Hyderabad and Badin.
Authorities called for better infrastructure to combat future monsoons, as climate patterns shift toward more intense events. For now, Karachi pushes through, with communities banding together amid the deluge.
Read: Karachi Floods After Heavy Rains, Public Holiday Declared
