Karachi Declares Public Holiday on August 20 as Heavy Rains Leave 10 Dead, City Flooded

KARACHI: The Sindh government has declared Wednesday, August 20, 2025, a public holiday across Karachi after torrential monsoon rains wreaked havoc, killing at least 10 people and leaving thousands stranded.

According to the official notification, the holiday excludes essential services and has been announced to prevent further hardship as the city braces for more heavy rainfall on August 20 and 21. Citizens have been advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Heavy Rains Cripple Karachi

Continuous downpours on Tuesday caused severe urban flooding, disrupting daily life and damaging infrastructure.

Several low-lying neighborhoods, including Gulshan-e-Hadeed, Korangi Crossing, Liaquatabad, Baldia Town, Malir, and Shah Faisal Colony, were inundated as rainwater entered homes.
In Malir and North Karachi, water levels rose up to four feet, forcing residents to abandon vehicles.
Major roads including Sharea Faisal, University Road, II Chundrigar Road, and Nagan Chowrangi witnessed massive traffic jams as vehicles broke down in waist-deep water.
Eight flights were cancelled and 20 delayed at Jinnah International Airport, while some were diverted to Multan and other cities.

Power outages and internet disruptions were also reported in multiple parts of the city.

Tragic Loss of Lives

Rescue officials confirmed 10 fatalities in rain-related incidents:

Three people drowned in a stormwater drain near Guru Mandir.
Four others died after a wall collapse in Gulistan-e-Jauhar.
A child lost his life in a similar incident in Orangi.
Two motorcyclists were electrocuted in Shahrah-e-Faisal and DHA.

Authorities on High Alert

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has directed authorities to implement a Rain Emergency Plan to clear waterlogged roads and ensure citizens’ safety.

Mayor Murtaza Wahab admitted drainage shortcomings but said over 3 million cubic feet of debris has been removed from drains to improve water flow.
Governor Kamran Tessori personally visited affected areas and announced a helpline (1366) for stranded citizens, even opening the Governor House for shelter.
Traffic police have shut down underpasses in Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, and Clifton due to flooding.

Met Office Warning

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that more heavy rainfall is expected in Karachi and other districts of Sindh, including Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Mirpurkhas, and Tharparkar, from August 19–22.

Officials cautioned that urban flooding may worsen in low-lying areas.

Nationwide Toll of Monsoon Rains

Karachi’s devastation is part of a larger national crisis. Across Pakistan, 660 people have lost their lives during this year’s monsoon season:

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 392 deaths
Punjab: 164 deaths
Gilgit Baltistan: 32 deaths
Sindh: 29 deaths (including Karachi fatalities)
Balochistan: 20 deaths
AJK: 15 deaths
Islamabad: 8 deaths

More than 935 people have been injured, with Punjab reporting the highest number of casualties and damages.

Safety Advisory

Authorities have urged citizens to:

Avoid traveling through flooded roads and underpasses.
Stay away from electric poles, wires, and wet electrical equipment.
Use certified electricians for household faults.
Keep water pumps and motors switched off during standing water conditions.

👉 Karachi is expected to face two more days of intense rainfall. With a holiday in place and emergency teams on alert, citizens are strongly advised to remain cautious and prioritize safety.