KARACHI: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning of heavy rainfall and possible flooding across Sindh over the next 12 to 24 hours, urging citizens to stay away from low-lying areas and take precautionary measures.
Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar directed that rain emergency measures be enforced across the province, with round-the-clock activation of response teams and immediate efforts for drainage in affected areas.
کراچی،19 اگست 2025:-
صوبے بھر میں رین ایمرجینسی پلان کو نافذالعمل کیا جائے۔وزیر داخلہ سندھ
نشیبی علاقوں،سڑکوں سے نکاسی آب کے فوری اقدامات یقینی بنائے جائیں۔وزیر داخلہ سندھ
رین ایمرجینسی کے دوران 24 گھنٹے متحرک رکھنے کے اقدامات کیئے جائیں۔وزیر داخلہ سندھ
ٹریفک و تھانہ پولیس… pic.twitter.com/qoFrBrtqTb
— Home & Law Department, Govt of Sindh (@HomeSindh) August 19, 2025
The financial capital of the country received heavy downpours for four consecutive hours, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department recording 145 mm of rainfall in Gulshan-e-Hadeed — the highest in Karachi.
Other figures included 138mm at Airport Old Area, 137mm at Met Office University Road, 132mm at Jinnah Terminal, 123mm in Saadi Town and 114mm along Sharea Faisal.
“Public safety is the top priority,” the provincial home minister said, and urged citizens to “avoid unnecessary travel.”
Flood warning for Sindh
According to the NDMA, intense showers are expected in Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal and Badin, while districts including Shaheed Benazirabad, Dadu, Khairpur, Sukkur, Ghotki, Larkana, Shikarpur and Kashmore are also at risk of being affected.
سندھ کے مختلف اضلاع میں آئندہ 12 سے 24 گھنٹوں کے دوران شدید بارش کا امکان۔جراچی، ٹھٹھہ، سجاول، بدین، تھرپارکر، حیدرآباد، نوابشاہ، دادو، خیرپور، سکھر، گھوٹکی، لاڑکانہ، شکارپور، جیکب آباد اور کشمور متاثر ہو سکتے ہیں۔سسٹم کے اگلے 2-3 دن تک جاری رہنے کا امکان ہے۔ pic.twitter.com/IzVPIZ0NtN
— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) August 19, 2025
The current weather system is likely to persist for the next two to three days, the authority noted.
It advised citizens to ensure proper drainage, avoid contact with electricity poles, and use the NDMA’s Disaster Alert app for guidance.
Heavy rain triggers floods in Karachi
The downpour, which continued for more than four hours in several parts of Karachi, caused widespread urban flooding.
BREAKING: Karachi, Saddar area is completely submerged under floodwaters. The situation is getting critical! 😱⚠️#Rain #Karachi #rainkarachi #KarachiRain pic.twitter.com/kLPP886cpv
— Malik Adil (@MLKAdil) August 19, 2025
The traffic police confirmed that at least four underpasses – in Nazimabad, Liaquatabad, Gharibabad and Clifton – were closed after rainwater accumulated.
Roads in Nazimabad, North Nazimabad, Gurumandir and Liaquatabad remained submerged, while vehicles were stranded in Korangi Industrial Area, National Highway’s Steel Town Mor, and sections of Sharea Faisal leading to Malir.
A traffic gridlock paralysed major arteries including II Chundrigar Road, Dr Ziauddin Road, Sharea Faisal, Shahrah-e-Pakistan, Shaheed-e-Millat Road, Korangi Road, Hub River Road and MA Jinnah Road, leaving hundreds of commuters stuck as office-goers struggled to return home.
Karachiites urged to stay indoor
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has also appealed to residents to remain indoors unless necessary.
BREAKING: Massive amount of rain lashes Karachi triggering urban flooding, power outages. Here are scenes from Shara-e-Faisal, the main Boulevard in Karachi, Pakistan pic.twitter.com/lPZW3LkWYM
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) August 19, 2025
He said the entire provincial machinery, including district administrations, KMC, Water Board and rescue services, had been mobilised to clear obstructions from storm drains and drain accumulated water with heavy machinery.
“The Sindh government will not abandon its people. Every possible facility is being extended,” he assured.