KARACHI ( The COW News Digital) Torrential rains combined with the overflowing of Thado Dam and heavy inflows into the Lath River caused the Malir and Lyari rivers to surge, inundating multiple residential areas across Karachi. The flooding forced emergency responses from local authorities and the Pakistan Army as neighborhoods faced significant waterlogging.
Following the Thado Dam reaching full capacity, water released from its spillway further increased river levels and flow velocity. Floodwaters from the dam entered residential sectors in Scheme 33, while areas near Jamali Bridge along the M-9 Motorway were also submerged. In response, the Sindh government decided to break the central wall of the M-9 to allow water to flow safely and reduce pressure on critical infrastructure.
In Malir, the floodwaters swept away sections of Shahrah-e-Bhutto, cutting across the river’s path and impacting nearby communities. Simultaneously, Lyari River experienced heavy swelling, affecting neighborhoods including F.B. Area, Shafiq Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal UC-1, Goharabad, Hassan Nimani Colony, Suhrab Goth, and Lyari Bakar Piri. Many homes were submerged under several feet of water, trapping residents inside. Other affected areas include Machar Colony, Nashar Basti, and Isa Nagri, where water entered residential compounds.
Rescue operations are underway in the most affected localities. According to Rescue 1122 officials, 15 children, one elderly person, and four women were evacuated from Lasi Para, while eight people were moved from Nashar Basti and 12, including nine children, from Shahbaz Goth. Pakistan Army and Rescue 1122 teams also carried out operations near Saadi Town, safely relocating ten residents to secure locations.
Special Assistant to the Sindh Chief Minister, Saleem Baloch, clarified that the water reaching the M-9 Motorway was from Lath River, not the Thado Dam. He explained that floodwaters from the Kirthar Range are flowing through Karachi’s rivers into the sea after all dams in Sindh reached full capacity. Baloch emphasized that residential areas remain generally safe, noting that flooding mainly affects locations with unauthorized encroachments along the rivers.
Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and to stay alert as water levels continue to fluctuate. City officials are coordinating with federal and provincial agencies to manage drainage, provide relief, and prevent further casualties.
This latest flooding highlights Karachi’s persistent vulnerability to urban inundation due to inadequate river management and encroachments on natural water channels.
