Continuous rainfall from Tuesday into Wednesday plunged Karachi into chaos as swollen streams and storm drains overflowed, flooding several neighbourhoods and disrupting daily life across the metropolis.

The downpour left streets waterlogged, traffic paralysed, and residents trapped inside their homes, while rescue and relief teams rushed into action.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the current monsoon spell is expected to persist for another 24 hours, with temperatures ranging between 27°C and 29°C, humidity at 92%, and southeast winds blowing at 15 km/h.

The system remains active west of Karachi and may push in more rain-laden clouds.

Floodwaters from the Lath River near the M-9 Motorway reached the carriageway, prompting authorities to break the road’s median wall to allow water passage, as ordered by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Thirty drainage pumps were deployed across the city, while Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed that over 200 residents had been evacuated, with four relief centres set up and rescue operations continuing near Lyari and Malir rivers.

Several areas — including FB Area, Essa Nagri, Machhar Colony, and Sohrab Goth — reported floodwaters entering homes. Rescue 1122 confirmed saving at least 20 people, including children and elderly residents.

Meanwhile, rainfall data showed Surjani Town topping the charts at 129.6 mm, followed by North Karachi (72.2 mm) and Korangi (70.5 mm).

Traffic disruptions hit key arteries such as Shahrah-e-Faisal, National Stadium Road, Guru Mandir, and Korangi Causeway, which was shut due to Malir River’s strong currents.

Traffic was diverted to Jam Sadiq Bridge and Qayyumabad. The Karachi commissioner also announced the closure of schools, while Dow University postponed examinations.