Karachi, Pakistan’s bustling financial hub, is grappling with severe flooding as heavy monsoon rains have claimed at least eight lives, according to reports from August 20, 2025. The deluge, which began on August 19, has inundated streets, disrupted power, and left residents struggling to navigate waterlogged roads. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) warns that more intense rainfall could exacerbate the crisis in Sindh, including Karachi, over the next few days.

The torrential rains, measuring 245 millimeters in just 12 hours in some areas, overwhelmed Karachi’s outdated drainage systems, leading to widespread urban flooding. Among the tragedies, a woman and three children perished in Gulistan-e-Jauhar, an 8-year-old boy drowned in Orangi Town, and two young men were electrocuted in separate incidents, highlighting the dangers of exposed electrical infrastructure during floods. Traffic gridlock and abandoned vehicles further compounded the chaos, while power outages plunged many neighborhoods into darkness.

The NDMA’s warning, issued on August 19, 2025, flagged Karachi alongside other Sindh districts like Hyderabad, Thatta, and Badin as high-risk areas for flash floods. The authority noted that the current weather system could persist for two to three days, with 145 millimeters of rain already recorded in Karachi.

Karachi’s mayor and Sindh’s Chief Minister conducted late-night inspections, directing traffic police and Rescue 1122 teams to clear roads and assist trapped residents. The provincial government declared a public holiday on August 20 to manage the crisis and urged residents to avoid low-lying areas, stay clear of power lines, and ensure proper drainage around homes. The NDMA’s Disaster Alert App remains a critical tool for real-time updates.