Heavy monsoon thundershowers that continued for more than two hours brought the city to a standstill on Saturday afternoon, while 10 people, including five members of a family, lost their lives in rain-related accidents.
The downpour dropped the mercury level in the city, turning the weather pleasant, but at the same time heavy rains and thick clouds resulted in poor visibility, causing difficulties for drivers.
At least 10 people, including four women, were reported to have been electrocuted during rain in the city. The deceased included five members of the same family, who lost their lives trying to save each other from electrocution.
On contact, the duty officer at the meteorological observatory, Jinnah International Airport told Pakistan Today that Landhi town received the highest amount of rain, with the met office recording 52mm of rain.
The met office recorded 40mm rain in Saddar, 17.4mm in the airport area and 16mm in Gulistan-e-Jauhar.
As soon as the clouds burst, many people rushed towards the beaches to enjoy the pleasant weather. A large number of families were also seen at public parks, Karachi Zoo and other places.
Within no time, rainwater started accumulating in several low-lying areas of the city. The traffic movement remained slow and in many areas massive traffic jams were witnessed in Saddar, Nazimabad, North Nazimabad, Federal B Area, Malir, Defence housing society and Akhtar Colony.
Traffic remained suspended for almost three hours after the rains on II Chundrigar Road, Zebunnisa Street, Shahrah-e-Faisal and Numaish among other major thoroughfares.
The Met Office has predicted more rains in Karachi and Hyderabad divisions on Sunday.
APP ADDS: Almost all major roads and streets in the city were inundated and major traffic jams were reported on Saturday afternoon.
Motorists waited helplessly in their vehicles for hours as traffic moved along with a snail’s pace on MA Jinnah Road, II Chundrigar Road, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, University Road, Preedy Street and Mai Kolachi Road.
The worst traffic jam was witnessed along the Shahrah-e-Faisal where some motorists even left their vehicles by the footpath and started walking towards their intended destinations.
A large number of vehicles also developed faults and were seen stranded along the roads. Traffic police personnel and city government’s volunteers tried their best to ensure smooth flow of traffic but in vain.
The rainwater also entered the underpasses in Nazimabad and Liaquatabad, disrupting the flow of traffic on one of the major signal-free corridors of the city. The main Korangi Road was also blocked as rainwater accumulated near the KPT Interchange.
Plying of heavy vehicles, including trailers and tankers, on the Mai Kolachi Road resulted in a severe traffic jam at Schon Chowrangi and Sub-Marine Chowrangi for hours.
As usual, rain turns into pain
