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Power outages persist as Karachi gears for more rain​

This spate of rain to last till Friday, says PMD warning heavier downpour than yesterday

Our Correspondent
August 21, 2025

People head to work a day after torrential rain in the city.

Residents of Karachi braced for another spell of torrential rain on Thursday with schools shut and public hospitals operating on minimal staff. Most offices remained shut, barring essential services, with the provincial government urging citizens to avoid commuting and stay home. Power outages continued in various areas of the city.

Over 15 people have died in rain-related incidents. Most were deaths by electrocution, while at least three people fell into an open manhole.

A case has been registered at Shah Faisal Colony Police Station against K-Electric CEO Syed Moonis Abdullah Alvi, KE IBC Shah Faisal and other officers of the power utility over the electrocution deaths of two brothers.

The FIR, filed on behalf of the deceased's father, Sultan, states the younger brother, Siraj, was electrocuted by an underground high-tension cable when he went out to buy groceries. The older brother, Murad, tried to save Siraj and was electrocuted in the process.

Passersby managed to get the brothers off the submerged road, but Siraj had died on the spot. Murad was shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), where he succumbed to his injuries.

Sultan has sought complete legal action against KE's negligence in the FIR registered under Sections 322 [about murder without intention to cause harm] and 268 [causing public nuisance].

Power outage

Despite the gaps in rainfall, power outages across the city persist. Residents in different areas of the city, including North Nazimabad Block A, Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 9 and Safora Goth Scheme 33, have been without electricity for over 36 hours, with power shut off from the first spell of rain on Monday afternoon.

In other localities, including several phases of Defence Housing Authority and Stadium Road, residents complained about continued power disruption well into Tuesday night.

In Saudabad, Ghazi Goth, Khuda Ki Basti, Ibrahim Hyderi and Shanti Nagar Stadium Road, power had not been restored for 28 hours, while in Federal B Area Block 14, Nank Wara, Yousuf Goth, Ramswami, Keamari and Azam Basti, residents were without electricity for over 22 hours.

 

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Rain on the cards

The next round of scattered showers is expected to hit this afternoon, which the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned could be heavier than yesterday. This spate of rain is expected to last till Friday.

On Tuesday, Karachiites woke up to a sunny morning, which was overcast by 2pm and within minutes, heavy rainfall hit several areas of the city. The torrential downpour lasted for a few hours, submerging major thoroughfares and flooding low-lying areas of the metropolis. Rain continued again post sundown and lasted well into the night.

PMD's forecast for today follows a similar pattern. Strong winds are circulating the rainfall system, said Chief Meteorologist Aamir Haider Laghari, explaining gusts that hit last night along with rain. Today, there might be gusts stronger than usual, he added.

The monsoon system is expected to start weakening late tonight and likely to gradually dissipate by Friday morning, according to Laghari.

The skies are expected to remain mostly cloudy on Friday and Saturday, and partly cloudy conditions are forecast for Sunday and Monday. Mild weather conditions are expected to prevail for the next few days under the effects of the monsoon system.

According to PMD, a low-pressure system remains highly active, with thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rain expected across Sindh, particularly in Karachi, from the afternoon through the evening and night.

Temperatures are likely to range between 28°C at the minimum and 31°C at the maximum, with high humidity causing significant discomfort.

Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab reached District Central, inspecting various locations including Nagin Chowrangi, Two-Minute Chowrangi, Surjani, Sakhi Hassan, KDA Chowrangi, Hyderi and other areas.

The mayor said that Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) teams worked day and night to clear all affected areas, which he inspected.

He added that timely disposal efforts and swift performance of the staff ensured drainage of rainwater.

“The process of draining rainwater from across the city is being carried out at the earliest,” Wahab said.

During his visit, the mayor also listened to public complaints and issued immediate directives for their resolution.

 

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Rain-related deaths

At least 18 people, including women and children, have died in rain-related incidents across Karachi since Tuesday. The deaths were caused by wall collapses, electrocution and drowning.

On Thursday, two brothers, Siraj and Murad, were electrocuted by an underground high-tension cable in Shah Faisal Colony. Their father has filed an FIR against K-Electric officials for negligence.

Rescue officials said two children drowned in drains in Sohrab Goth and Liaquatabad, while bodies of an elderly man and a teenager were recovered from waterlogged areas in New Sabzi Mandi and Gulshan-e-Maymar.

A 50-year-old man, Muhammad Abbas, drowned after falling into an uncovered drain near Guru Mandir.

In Gulistan-e-Jauhar, the collapse of a private school’s wall on roadside huts killed two women and two children; a three-year-old girl later died of her injuries, raising the toll to five. An eight-year-old boy was also killed in a wall collapse in Orangi Town.

Separately, at least five people, including young men and an elderly person, died of electrocution in DHA, Shahrah e Faisal, North Karachi and Gizri Bridge.

 

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Climate change

Climate change expert Fatima Yamin stressed that while mitigation and adaptation are important, they are often overhyped, and greater investment is needed in preparedness and prevention.

She said these measures are crucial not only to prepare communities for future challenges but also to prevent severe damage to infrastructure, particularly homes and schools.

Yamin noted that Pakistan does not offer disaster insurance or immediate compensation, forcing affected people to rebuild their livelihoods from scratch.

She added that climate impacts should not be dismissed as natural phenomena, as unchecked mining, deforestation and industrialisation are worsening the crisis.

Yamin further said Pakistan could strengthen its position at COP by ensuring transparency in the use of climate finance and the reconstruction funds received after the 2022 floods.

She pointed out that the government appears to be investing more in humanitarian response than in prevention and preparedness, while international partners are providing adaptation and mitigation funding.

Pakistan, she emphasised, must also demonstrate how much of its domestic revenue is allocated to climate action, rather than relying solely on loans and grants.

 

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Cloudburst or just heavy rain?​

Meteorologists caution against misuse of term

APP
August 21, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Leading meteorologists are raising red flags over the growing misuse of the term "cloudburst" in Pakistan's media and public discourse.

According to experts, casually labeling every episode of intense monsoon rain as a cloudburst not only spreads unnecessary fear but also undermines the seriousness of genuine warnings.

Officials stress that a cloudburst is a rare and scientifically defined phenomenon, triggered by orographic effects in the atmospherewhen moisture-laden air is rapidly lifted over mountainous terrain, causing sudden, extremely heavy rainfall over a small, localised area.

In contrast, the widespread downpours currently battering Swat, Buner, Chitral, and parts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are severe, but not technically cloudbursts.

Director General of the PMD, Mahr Sahibzad Khan said that the term "cloudburst" is often misused, and this leads to confusion.

"A cloudburst is very different from heavy rain. We gave early warnings one month before the onset of monsoon, and specifically intimated on 23 June. The tragic Swat incident of June 27 happened despite repeated forecasts."

Mahr Sahibzad Khan explained that the PMD issues timely forecasts through a multi-layered systemfirst alerting a month in advance, then updating when monsoon systems cross Central India and enter Sindh and northern Pakistan. Before any severe weather, the Department also releases a Nowcasta highly localized, three-hour forecast aimed at guiding local administrations and the public.

"These forecasts are only useful if people take them seriously," he said, adding that the PMD's forecasting equipment is calibrated annually in winter to maintain precision. Chief Meteorologist Dr Afzaal recalled that a true cloudburst once struck Islamabad in 2001, when 600mm of rain fell within 10 hoursa scale not seen since. He urged the public to respect official warnings: "Avoid going outside in extreme weather and plan outdoor activities according to forecasts."

 

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(Clockwise) People wade through flooded streets after monsoon rains in Karachi. A man carries a suitcase on his head to keep it dry. Commuters struggle to move through waist-deep water as buses remain stranded. Vehicles, some partially submerged and others parked, are seen amid the deluge.
PHOTO: AGENCIES

 

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200 people rescued after glacial burst in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer: Rescue 1122​

Jamil Nagri | Imtiaz Ali Taj
August 22, 2025



Rescue 1122 personnel carry out a rescue operation after a glacier burst in Gilgit-Baltistan blocked the Ghizer River, Aug 22. — Rescue 1122



This picture shows a a glacier burst in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Ghizer district blocking the Ghizer River, Aug 22. — Photo via Jamil Nagri


At least 200 people were rescued after a glacier burst in Gilgit-Baltistan blocked the Ghizer River, threatening the downstream areas, Rescue 1122 said on Friday.

A glacial burst, or glacial lake outburst flood (Glof), refers to an outburst of water from a glacial lake which could lead to severe flooding downstream, effectively blocking or overwhelming rivers in its path. Pakistan is home to over 13,032 glaciers, the largest reservoir of glaciers outside of the polar regions. However, experts have warned that about 10,000 glaciers in Chitral and GB have been reported to be receding due to climate change–induced temperature rise.

A statement from Rescue 1122 said, “200 people have been rescued from flood-affected areas and have been shifted to Ghizer’s Yangal and Samal areas.”

“Several people have been traumatised after [their] houses were destroyed. Medical assistance is being provided to the affected people,” it added.

In another statement issued earlier today, Rescue 1122 said, “A terrible incident of glacier outburst has taken place at Tildas and Rawshan villages in Gupis valley late at night, causing widespread destruction in the downstream.”

“The Ghizer River has been completely blocked for several hours, which has increased the risks for downstream areas with a possibility of high-level flooding in the river,” it added.

The statement said that the rescue personnel had been kept on alert on the orders of the Rescue 1122 director general and the Rescue 1122 District Emergency Officer Engineer Tahir Shah. Rescue 1122 also urged people living near the river to take timely precautionary measures and move to safe places.

GB Secretary Fida Hussain said that no casualties were reported and all the affected people were safe.

“The flood swept away everything in the downstream areas in Talidas and Rawshan villages,” he said, adding that 40 people, who were stranded, had been rescued.

He added that local volunteers were the first to rescue people from the floodwaters, after which Pakistan Army helicopters joined the operation.

“The high temperature caused a burst of the lake, and ultimately high flooding occurred in the Sado nullah on Wednesday night.

“Some shepherds informed the local community about the flood. People in dangerous areas were immediately shifted to other areas,” he said.

According to the locals, 80 per cent of the village has been washed away. A local named Abdul Wahid said, “Some shepherds, who were living near the glacier, had informed people living in the downstream areas through mobile communication about the flood and urged them to evacuate.”

The local administration said that the Ghizer River, after remaining blocked for eight hours, started spilling over the flood debris.

GB government spokesperson Faizullah Faraq said that a rescue operation was initiated to evacuate the stranded people in the areas. He said, “The flow of the Ghizer River has remained blocked for many hours, but it poses a threat to low-lying areas if it bursts.”

Ghulam Muhammad, GB Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Tourism, said, “The flood, which occurred due to the bursting of the lake, completely destroyed 70 houses, while the river water is standing due to the flood debris, but the level is rising.”

He said that if the flow of the river water is not restored, hundreds of large houses will be submerged in the water. “The process of flooding in the drain due to the bursting of the lake has been ongoing since 10pm.”

Muhammad further said that the river spread three to four kilometres in length due to the standing water.

“Some people are still trapped, for whom an army helicopter has been sent to rescue them. Hopefully, the trapped people will also be rescued,” he added.

Rescue 1122 personnel carry out a rescue operation after a glacier burst in Gilgit-Baltistan blocked the Ghizer River, Aug 22. — Rescue 1122

GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan issued orders to the GB home secretary and GB Disaster Management Authority director general to immediately rescue the people trapped in the flood.

The CM said, “All available resources will be utilised to rescue the precious human lives and help will be sought from the Pakistan Army.”

He also directed the Gilgit and Ghizer police officials and the concerned departments to ensure safety measures in the settlements adjacent to the river.

Special Assistant to CM on Information Eman Shah said that authorities have started initial relief and rescue activities. “Steps are being taken to shift people from Ghizer River downstream areas to safer places in fear of the temporary lake formed in Ghizer bursting,” he said.

Earlier this month, a Glof from the Shishper Glacier tore through Hassanabad Nullah, sweeping away part of the Karakoram Highway and destroying public and private properties.

A glacier burst in Bagrot Valley caused the death of one person on Aug 1, while his father was injured, according to the regional government’s spokesperson.

 

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Over 100 homes damaged in glacier outburst in G-B’s Ghizer district​

At least 10 fatalities reported but most of stranded persons rescued, say officials

Our Correspondent
August 22, 2025

Flash floods struck Roshan valley in Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) early Friday after a glacier burst, damaging more than 100 houses and forcing hundreds of families to flee, said officials.

Ghizer, about 200 km from G-B, was among the worst-hit valleys in the recent floods, with at least 10 fatalities reported.

Last month’s torrential rains in G-B triggered flash floods and landslides, leaving over 200 tourists and travellers stranded.

At least five people, including four tourists and one local resident, lost their lives. Authorities reported 14 to 15 major road blockages caused by boulders, debris, and sudden flooding, cutting off access on key routes such as Babusar Top and parts of the Karakoram Highway at Lal Parhi and Tatta Pani, where several vehicles were trapped.

The Pakistan Army deployed helicopters to evacuate those stuck in isolated areas, while heavy machinery was used to clear sections of the road from Thalichi to Chilas, with clearance operations continuing in Tatta Pani and Jalipur.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced a Rs4 billion relief package for the flood-hit G-B region, alongside plans for a 100-megawatt solar energy project.

G-B government spokesman Faizullah Faraq told The Express Tribune that floodwaters swept away a century-old bridge, submerged agricultural lands and orchards, and washed away a one-kilometre stretch of road.

“A seven-kilometre-long artificial lake has formed due to the floods, increasing risks for surrounding villages,” he warned.

“More than 100 households have been directly affected, forcing large-scale displacement as families move with their belongings to safer locations,” he said, adding that farmlands, orchards, a timber factory, flour mills and other infrastructure had also been destroyed.

The spokesperson confirmed that all stranded people had been rescued, but “hundreds have already been displaced and are moving with their belongings to safer areas.”

He added that government teams are carrying out relief operations in the region.

Rescue 1122 officials warned about an artificial dam created in Roshan, saying if it bursts, the Ghizer River could trigger flooding in low-lying parts of Gilgit city.


Officials added that mosque and Imambargah announcements are being made to alert people about precautionary evacuation. The emergency service stressed these steps were being taken “to reduce possible losses in case of an untoward situation”.

 

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UK announces £1.33m aid for monsoon relief in Pakistan​

Around 2,400 volunteers trained for search and rescue in vulnerable districts

Web Desk
August 22, 2025

The United Kingdom announced on Friday £1.33 million in humanitarian aid to support Pakistan’s response to the 2025 monsoon season, as heavy rains, flooding, and landslides continue to impact several regions.

According to the British High Commission in Islamabad, the assistance will cover emergency and early recovery needs, including food ration, search and rescue operations, mobile medical camps, rehabilitation of drinking water systems, restoration of irrigation channels, livelihood and agricultural support.

UK’s programmes are delivering vital aid in coordination with national and provincial authorities, said British High Commissioner Jane Marriott.

 

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Floods in Buner turn wedding prep into tragedy, claiming 24 family members​

A massive flood swept away Muhammad’s home and family, killing his mother, siblings, uncle, grandfather, and children

Reuters
August 22, 2025

Noor Muhammad, 25, who lost 24 family members and relatives stands by the rubble of his 36-room house which was hit by devastating floods in the mountainous Qadir Nagar village of Buner district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan, August 21, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS

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Two days before his wedding, Noor Muhammad had a long phone call with his mother, just hours before devastating floods in Pakistan killed her along with 23 family members and relatives.

"I cannot explain how happy she was," he said, standing by the rubble of his family's large 36-room house, perched on the bank of a flood channel in Qadir Nagar village.

The village in mountainous Buner district has been the worst hit by recent heavy rain, accounting for more than 200 of nearly 400 deaths in the northwest since Aug. 15. Buner is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from the capital Islamabad.

"Everything was finished," sobbed Muhammad, 25, as mourners sat at his damaged house to offer condolences, saying there was nothing left except rubble and heavy rocks, swept down from the mountains along with mud and raging floodwaters, smashing houses, markets and buildings.

"The flood came, a huge flood came, it swept away everything – home, mother, sister, brother, my uncle, my grandfather and children."