Two dams in Karachi overflow, at least 7 killed in weather-related incidents, Pakistan

At least 7 people were killed in different weather-related incidents across Karachi, Pakistan's largest city on August 25, 2020. On August 26, two dams in the city overflowed, placing several towns at risk of major flooding. More heavy rains are expected across the region until Thursday, August 27.

The Lath and Thaddo dams in Karachi have overflowed after a day of very heavy rain, placing the towns of Surjani, Saadi, and Safoora Goth at risk of major flooding.

The event took place after major urban flooding across the city on Tuesday, August 25, in which at least 7 people lost their lives, including three children. Five people drowned in Gujjar Nullah while 2 others died in Malir after being struck by a lightning.

According to local media reports, major roads of the city were flooded and flight operations suspended after continuous monsoon showers on Tuesday morning.

Many areas across the city lost power, most of them after K-Electric decided to cut off supply as a safety precaution.

In Karachi's Gulistan-e-Johar Block 3, a retaining wall collapsed on the vehicles parked at the back of the apartment complex at Javed Hill View. Around 35 cars and 50 motorbikes were destroyed in the incident but no one was injured. Nearby houses have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.

By Tuesday evening, the Sindh government has declared a rain emergency in Karachi and other parts of the province. The government has canceled vacations of all employees and ordered the Provincial Disaster Management Authority to begin relief operations in affected areas.

This is the sixth and more powerful spell of monsoon rains that has hit southern parts of the country, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) who issued urban flooding warning for Sindh and Balochistan on August 24.

Featured image credit: WE