Floods triggered by monsoon rains crippled the biggest city and commercial hub Karachi on Tuesday, with few people able to make it to work or school. Government faces another crisis as monsoon rains which have killed 200 people sweep through southern Sindh province.
Many streets were impassable, cars were stuck, several fuel stations were inundated and no visible efforts were underway to drain the water. Monsoon rains sweep the subcontinent from June to September and are crucial for agriculture.
Government had to face a $10 billion bill last year to repair damage to homes, bridges, roads and other infrastructure. Aid workers expressed fears over possible outbreaks of diseases linked to the new floods, especially among children.
Pakistan may also have lost up to two million cotton bales, or about 13 percent of its estimated crop, due to heavy monsoon rains during harvesting.
SAHER KHAN
Karachi
