Karachi witnesses traffic chaos after heavy rains

KARACHI: The impacts of Karachi’s torrential rains are still being felt as severe flooding in many areas, including the Malir nullah, forced authorities to close the Korangi Crossing River Bridge and the ABM Causeway to all traffic.

The overflowing river has created dangerous conditions, prompting authorities to shut down these key routes to ensure public safety.
The closure of major arteries has led to a traffic jam as the river in spate formed dangerous conditions, leading to immediate closure for the safety of citizens.

The closures have caused huge traffic congestion in the city, with heavy jams witnessed at Qayyumabad Chowrangi, Jam Sadiq Bridge, the Expressway, and Brooks Chowrangi.

Thousands of people and cars are left stranded in traffic, with cars parked miles ahead in long queues. The crisis worsened by the twin effects of flooding and poor drainage, according to traffic police as well as eyewitnesses.

The crisis at Qayyumabad Chowrangi and Jam Sadiq Bridge has worsened the situation, with traffic police stating that commuters have been stuck for hours.

Traffic police asserted that attempts are in process to regulate the situation, with diversion routes set in motion and emergency units dispatched to clear the roads. Authorities advise commuters to use affected areas as an alternative route and remain informed through official means.

Karachi has been experiencing heavy to moderate rains since Tuesday as the rain was also witnessed in most parts on Thursday. The rain was witnessed in some parts of Karachi, such as Saddar, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Shahrah-e-Faisal, and surrounding localities on Thursday.

Heavy rain continued on Tuesday and Wednesday relentlessly, causing havoc in various parts of Karachi by inundating low-lying areas and swelling the Malir and Lyari rivers.

Intermittent showers, from light to heavy, flooded major roads and neighborhoods, greatly affecting daily life in Karachi.