Karachi braces for record monsoon as authorities open emergency operations centre
Met Office warns of above-normal rainfall through July as the city's drainage system, already strained, faces its biggest test in a decade.
Sindh authorities have activated the provincial Emergency Operations Centre as the Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasts above-normal monsoon rainfall over Karachi and surrounding districts through July.
The PMD's seasonal outlook, issued earlier this week, predicts cumulative rainfall 15–25% above the long-term average across the lower Sindh corridor, with the heaviest spells concentrated in the second half of July.
What the city is doing
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation says it has cleared 60% of mapped storm drains ahead of the season, though residents in low-lying areas of Gulshan, Korangi, and Lyari say localised flooding has already begun after light rains earlier this month.
Provincial Information Minister told reporters that:
- Over 4,000 personnel from civil defence and rescue services have been placed on standby
- The Pakistan Army's 5 Corps will provide engineering support if requested
- Schools in flood-prone districts may shift to remote learning if warnings escalate to "red"
The bigger picture
Karachi's drainage infrastructure has not been comprehensively upgraded since the 1980s, despite the population roughly doubling in that time. Climate scientists have warned for years that the city's exposure to extreme rainfall events is growing, with the 2020 floods serving as a recent benchmark for what the system can — and cannot — absorb.
Residents are being urged to keep emergency contact numbers on hand and avoid travel during heavy downpours.
