INTRODUCTION
Karachi, which serves as Pakistan’s largest metropolis and economic hub, has once again been inundated by relentless monsoon rains. Streets have been transformed into rivers, neighborhoods have been crippled by power outages, and traffic has been brought to a standstill. Although emergency responses were swiftly initiated, the recurring nature of this crisis underscores the necessity for a transition from reactive firefighting to strategic urban resilience.
A HISTORY OF FLOODING AND NEGLECT
Since the 1990s, repeated urban flooding has been experienced in Karachi during monsoon seasons. Central arteries such as Shahrah-e-Faisal and I.I. Chundrigar Road have consistently been overwhelmed, turning into rivers with every heavy downpour. The most devastating event occurred in August 2020, when over 230mm of rain fell in a single day, resulting in the loss of more than 40 lives and causing billions in damages. Despite these disasters, substantial progress has not been achieved. A dysfunctional drainage network, unplanned urban sprawl, and encroachments on stormwater drains have been cited by experts as major contributing factors.
MAJOR ROADS AFFECTED
The vulnerabilities of Karachi have once again been exposed by the rains of September 2025. The following roads were severely impacted:
• Shahrah-e-Faisal
Recognized as the only major artery connecting Jinnah International Airport to Thatta, its flooding has disrupted regional logistics, emergency services, and economic activity.
• I.I. Chundrigar Road
Karachi’s financial hub, repeatedly submerged.
• University Road, Korangi Road, Tariq Road, MA Jinnah Road, and Lyari Expressway:
All experienced waterlogging and traffic paralysis.
• M-9 Motorway
Temporarily submerged due to overflow from Thaddo Dam.
BOTTLENECKS IN FLOOD MANAGEMENT
Flood management in Karachi has been hindered by several deep-rooted issues:
• Outdated Infrastructure Design
The drainage system was originally designed to handle only 40mm of rainfall — a standard set decades ago. Currently, rainfall exceeding 100mm in a single day is regularly experienced, and future projections suggest that rain events of over 200mm may become increasingly frequent due to climate change.
• Delayed Drain Cleaning
Funds for drain cleaning are often received by KMC after the monsoon begins, leaving nullahs clogged with silt and garbage.
• Encroachments:
Thousands of informal and formal structures built over stormwater drains have obstructed natural water flow.
• Solid Waste Dumping
With only 30–40% of Karachi’s waste reaching landfill sites, the remainder ends up in drains, exacerbating blockages.
• Jurisdictional Conflicts
Multiple authorities — KMC, DHA, Cantonment Boards, Sindh Government — operate without coordination, resulting in fragmented responses.
GOVERNANCE REFORM: COLLABORATION, NOT BLAME
The flood response in Karachi has been fragmented across multiple authorities, leading to delays, duplication, and inefficiency. However, this situation should not be viewed as a blame game. It represents a shared challenge that demands shared responsibility. With Karachi’s population projected to exceed 25 million in the coming years and climate change intensifying rainfall events, preparations must be made for rainfall exceeding 200mm in a single day — far beyond the outdated 40mm design capacity.
RECOMMENDATIONS
• Unified Urban Flood Authority
A Karachi Flood Resilience Council (KFRC) should be established with representatives from all civic bodies.
• Future-Proof Infrastructure Design
Drainage and road systems should be redesigned using climate models and hydrological simulations.
• Integrated Master Plan
A Karachi Climate Resilience Master Plan should be developed.
• Community Engagement
Citizens should be empowered through awareness campaigns and participatory planning.
• Technology & Transparency
Real-time dashboards and open data platforms should be utilized.
CONCLUSION: FROM CRISIS TO OPPORTUNITY
The flooding in Karachi should not be regarded merely as a natural disaster — it is a manifestation of planning failure. Nonetheless, it presents an opportunity to reimagine the city. Through bold leadership, community involvement, and intelligent engineering, Karachi can be transformed into a model of urban resilience. Let us not wait for the next rainfall to remind us of what must be done.
The future of Karachi will not be shaped by the storms it endures,
but by the resilience it builds.
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