KARACHI ( The COW News Digital) Heavy rainfall and the overflowing of the Malir and Lyari rivers wreaked havoc across Karachi overnight, forcing water into residential neighborhoods and prompting emergency measures from city officials.
Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab conducted late-night visits to several affected locations, including Shahbaz Goth along the M-9 Motorway, to assess the situation firsthand. Speaking to the media at the Super Highway, he confirmed that the city government had formally requested assistance from the Pakistan Army through the Chief Secretary. Army contingents quickly arrived at the scene to support relief operations.
The commissioner of Karachi announced that all schools in the city would remain closed today due to the dangerous conditions.
According to Wahab, water levels in both Malir and Lyari rivers had reached critical points only hours earlier but had since begun to recede due to continuous efforts. “The situation in Lyari has also improved. We are doing everything possible to protect lives and reduce damage. The closure of parts of the motorway was a precautionary measure to avoid potential casualties,” he said.
The mayor added that over 200 people had been rescued so far, with four emergency relief centers established to shelter displaced families. Drainage operations are ongoing to clear water from affected areas, he confirmed.
Earlier in an interview with Geo News, Wahab described the situation around Malir and Lyari as “extremely challenging.” He noted that both rivers were flowing with the force of major waterways, while water release from the Thado Dam further intensified the flooding risk. He urged citizens to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
The mayor dismissed viral reports suggesting that Saadi Town had been submerged, calling them “baseless rumors.” He clarified that no water had entered the area and urged residents not to panic over misleading information circulating on social media.
Despite some improvements, officials warned that further rainfall or additional dam releases could worsen the crisis. The Pakistan Army’s involvement has bolstered rescue operations, but authorities remain on high alert as drainage systems continue to struggle under the immense pressure.
Karachi has long been vulnerable to urban flooding due to inadequate infrastructure and poor drainage, and this incident has once again exposed the city’s fragile flood management system. Residents expressed frustration, demanding lasting solutions instead of short-term fixes.
