Rain Causes Power Outage in Several Areas of Karachi

The first spell of monsoon rain in Karachi brought much-needed relief from the scorching heat but also triggered widespread power outages across several neighborhoods. As the rain poured down on Friday evening, residents in multiple localities reported sudden and prolonged electricity breakdowns.

The situation caused major disruptions in daily life, raising concerns over the city’s fragile electricity infrastructure and its ability to withstand even moderate rainfall.

• Heavy monsoon rain led to electricity breakdowns in more than 60 areas of Karachi.

• Several feeders of K-Electric (KE) tripped due to moisture and technical faults.

• Major areas affected include Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Nazimabad, Federal B Area, Malir, Saddar, Clifton, Korangi, and parts of Defence.

• Citizens complained of power outages lasting between 4 to 12 hours.

• Traffic jams, waterlogging, and internet disruptions were also reported in many parts of the city.

K-Electric has activated emergency teams and claimed that:

• Over 70% of affected feeders were restored by midnight.

• Mobile generators were dispatched to critical areas like hospitals and water pumping stations.

• Citizens were advised not to touch wet electric poles or wires and report faults via 118, WhatsApp, or the KE app.

Despite these measures, many consumers criticized KE for slow response times, with some areas still experiencing outages well into Saturday morning.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD):

• Karachi is expected to receive light to moderate showers for the next 3 to 4 days.

• Moisture from the Arabian Sea and an active low-pressure system is likely to keep the weather unstable.

• Citizens are advised to stay cautious and avoid unnecessary travel during downpours.

Rain also exposed the city's weak urban drainage systems, with reports of:

• Waterlogging in Saddar, I.I. Chundrigar Road, and Numaish

• Traffic gridlocks on Sharae Faisal and MA Jinnah Road

• Disruption of internet and cable TV services in various areas

Residents also raised concerns about open manholes, slippery roads, and falling power lines, which pose a serious threat during wet weather.

Urban planners and engineers have long warned that Karachi’s electricity and drainage systems are outdated and ill-equipped to handle modern climate challenges.

Dr. Arif Hasan, a city development expert, stated:

“We’ve been seeing this pattern for years — first rain, and the entire city shuts down. The authorities need to invest in stormwater management and robust electrical grid upgrades.”

The first monsoon spell of the season in Karachi once again highlights the city's infrastructure vulnerabilities, particularly its power supply system. While the rains bring relief from the heat, the recurring issue of blackouts and the lack of preparation by power distributors like K-Electric continue to frustrate residents.

As the PMD forecasts more showers in the coming days, the city’s resilience will once again be put to the test. Authorities must act swiftly, not just in emergency response, but in long-term reforms, to ensure that Karachi can enjoy the rain — without the lights going out.