Relief efforts continue as rains lash Karachi

The armed forces of Pakistan continued with relief and rescue efforts in the metropolis yesterday after torrential rains left residents of several low-lying areas stranded and without help.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), “army engineers’ machinery including heavy plant effort is in progress to stop water flow from Malir Nadi by fortifying the breached areas.”
Water in Malir Nadi has been reduced and backflow from Quaidabad to Malir Nadi has started, said the military’s media wing, adding that boats have been deployed in various areas to shift stranded people to safer places.
The ISPR disclosed that more than 200 families have been marooned on rooftops due to heavy flooding in Malir Nadi, Kohi Goth and Dur Mohamed Goth.
“Cooked meals are being provided to the affected population stranded due to heavy rains. Owing to strong water current, army helicopters will be dispatched to rescue these families on getting weather clearance,” it added.
Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa has directed the military troops to set up relief operations in Karachi to assist the people affected by the rains.
“Troops must reach out to the affected population in distress and extend all necessary care,” the army chief said.
According to local media, the Met Office has confirmed that the 90-year rainfall record for August in Karachi was broken after yesterday’s downpour.
The 90-year record was broken after a 345mm downpour was recorded at Karachi’s PAF Faisal Base this month, making it the wettest month since 1931.
According to the Met Office, 114mm rain was recorded in Gulshan-e-Hadeed, 83mm in Sadar, 81mm in Landhi, 77.8mm at University Road, 76.6mm in Nazimabad, 70.8mm in Saadi Town, 65.8mm at Jinnah Terminal, 49.8mm in North Karachi, 42.8 in Surjani and the lowest amount of  21.9mm in Keamari.
The Met Office has forecast heavy rainfall in the city today, warning that flooding could take place in the city.
Power breakdowns were also reported in many areas of the city, with almost 90% of the metropolis experiencing power outages.
Electricity supply remained suspended for several hours in Surjani Town, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, North Karachi, various areas of District Central, old city areas, vast areas of district Malir, Korangi, Landhi, Keamari and adjoining areas.
K-Electric said its teams were working to restore power while in many areas, electricity supply had already been restored.