Karachi June 30 (TNS): A mild to heavy rain played havoc with life and property in Karachi as most areas of the city faced power outages, traffic jams, flooding, strewing masses of garbage on roads and streets, risking spreading of water-borne diseases.
The city administration and the provincial authorities miserably have failed to pump out stagnant water from main thoroughfares and streets, making it difficult for motorists and pedestrians to travel
During the last 24 hours, at least 11 people have lost their lives in rain-related accidents, including drowning, electrocution, and ceiling collapse. Two children drowned in rainwater near Punjab Chonrangi.
The children were identified as Aftab and Moin, aged between eight and ten, and they were the residents of the P&T Colony Gizri.
The rain water entered most low-lying localities while stagnant water has accumulated at major business centres, Sindh High Court building, Liaqatabad underpass, outside Governor House and Chief Minister House and other areas.
The accumulated rainwater has damaged roads in many areas disrupting traffic flow.The port city received 62mm rainfall. The rainfall hit Saddar, Gushan-e-Maimar, Korangi, Malir, Gulistan-e-Johar, Malir, Gulshan-e-Hadeed and other areas.
Local government organizations including the district municipal corporations and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation have failed to provide timely help to the residents.
The Sindh government has declared rain emergency in government hospitals of the city.
Residents of the Cantonment Board Clifton remained stuck in their houses as the roads were completely flooded with rainwater. Areas surrounding Teen Talwar, Khayaban-e-Shahbaz, and Khayaban-e-Rahat have been the worst affected.
According to K-Electric, 483 feeders have tripped, plunging several areas into darkness. The K-Electric said that power has been restored to water pumping stations including Dhabaji pumping station, Karachi airport, and major hospitals.
