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Karachi Crippled by Monsoon Floods, Drainage Failures Blamed
21 Aug
Summary
- Monsoon rains paralyze Karachi, trapping people on flooded streets
- Drainage system failures exacerbate flooding, despite costly upgrades
- Decades of neglect and unchecked growth blamed for Karachi's woes
On August 21, 2025, heavy monsoon rains once again paralyzed the city of Karachi, bringing death and suffering to its residents. The 'unprecedented' downpour left many parts of the city submerged, with people trapped on flooded streets for hours and widespread power outages.
This rain-related disaster is not new to Karachi, as the city has been grappling with similar issues year after year during the monsoon season. Experts and authorities have pointed to the city's faulty drainage system as the primary culprit behind the recurring flooding. Despite the installation of a costly drainage system in the upscale Defense Housing Authority (DHA) area, the neighborhood still experienced severe inundation, highlighting the deeper systemic problems.
The mayor has attributed the crisis to climate change, but urban planning experts argue that global warming is not the sole factor responsible for Karachi's plight. Decades of neglect, encroachment, and unchecked growth have steadily disfigured the city, exacerbating the drainage and other civic issues. Successive administrations have failed to address Karachi's complex urban challenges, including solid waste disposal, water provision, and land management.
Resolving Karachi's monsoon-related woes will require a comprehensive, long-term approach that addresses the city's fundamental infrastructure and governance problems. Establishing a more responsive and accountable local government system is seen as crucial to tackling the city's civic issues promptly and effectively.
