Karachi witnesses traffic chaos as main arteries closed 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 closure of the main arteries has caused a traffic jam as the overflowing river created hazardous conditions, prompting immediate shutdowns to ensure public safety.

Thousands of residents and vehicles are stranded in gridlock, with long queues of vehicles stretching for miles. The situation worsened due to the double impact of flooding and poor drainage, as reported by eyewitnesses and traffic police.

According to traffic police, the chaos at Qayyumabad Chowrangi and Jam Sadiq Bridge has exacerbated the crisis, leaving commuters stuck for hours.

Traffic police maintained that efforts are underway to control the situation, with diversion routes being implemented and emergency teams deployed to clear the roads. Authorities urge commuters to avoid affected areas and stay updated via official channels.

Karachi has been facing heavy to moderate rains since Tuesday as the downpour was witnessed in many areas on Thursday too. The rainfall was reported in several areas of Karachi, including Saddar, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Shahrah-e-Faisal, and surrounding localities on Thursday.

Persistent heavy rains on Tuesday and Wednesday have wreaked havoc across Karachi, submerging low-lying areas and raising water levels in the Malir and Lyari rivers.

Intermittent showers, ranging from light to heavy, inundated major roads and neighborhoods, severely impacting daily life in Karachi.