Karachi, home to hundreds of thousands of citizens and popularly called ‘The City Of Lights’, is no longer what it used to be.
On Thursday, 27th August, Karachiites witnessed the worst weather system the city had ever seen in years. The heavy rain spells and lightning continued to pour down, and soon, the town found itself stuck in a horrible situation.
Unlike international standards where drainage systems are used to clear roads and surrounding areas of rainwater, the clogged sewage systems in Karachi encouraged rainwater to flood the streets, causing hundreds of cars, bikes, and even people to drown.
The neck-deep water caused not only massive damages to transport and people but also caused enormous havoc for businesses that had to remain shut for days.
Furious to see the current condition of their beautiful city, now turned into a waste dump as litter and waste-filled the streets, the residents of Karachi took it to social media to express their anger and to call out the Sindh government for a failed system.
“Why should we pay taxes when we have to look after draining out water from our homes and streets. When there is no electricity and no clean water.” Tweeted an angry resident.
Why should we pay taxes when we have to look after draining out water from our homes and streets.
When there is no electricity and no clean water. #karachijaagjao #KarachiRain #karachi— anum mufti (@anum_mufti) August 31, 2020
While another user, through a video showing the current situation in front of the Governor House 4 days after the rain spell, he tweeted, “4 din baad bhi governor house road ka ye haal ha. Red zone ka ye haal haa. Just imagine (even after four days, this is the condition of the Governor House Road. This is the condition of a red-zone. imagine)”
4 din baad bhi governor house road ka ye haal ha. Red zone ka ye haal haa. Just imagine
Video 31st August 10.11AM #KarachiRain #Karachi #KhiAlerts @SherySyed2 pic.twitter.com/sGxpRiZkU9— Hasnain Raza (@HasnainR_) August 31, 2020
While others have called to make Karachi a separate province to rid the city of corruption and negligence.
“I am Sindhi, and I want a separate province/unit to save #Karachi from corrupt oligarchies.” Tweets Ammad.
You are living in Boston right? Okay
By the way, I am Sindhi and I want separate province/unit to save #Karachi from corrupt oligarchies. https://t.co/Vrz3Xi7e1Z
— Ammad 🇵🇰 (@KnightRises_) August 31, 2020
Day 5 into the urban flooding and yet, roads are filled with gushing water, electricity is, however, to be restored, several have died by either drowning or electrical incidents, many are still missing, work and businesses are suffering from internet outages and goods worths millions have perished because of the rainwater.
کراچی کی اصل حالت بارش کے بعد 45 کروڑ کا تو صرف ایک بزنس مین کو نقصان ہوا اور غریبوں کا تو اللہ ہی حافظ ھے ۔کراچی کی اس کہانی کو لازمی شئیر کیجیے
Posted by JDC Foundation Pakistan on Friday, August 28, 2020
With frustration and anger in their hearts, Karachiites ask the Sindh government, what’s next?
This was 26th street DHA Karachi, my neighborhood….this is why I was worried about my family, my father. What we have witnessed in Karachi today was apocalyptic in some ways. The true hurt & damage will be visible after the water recedes. Nothing but devastation. #KarachiRain pic.twitter.com/loWHBQ1rZC
— Fakhr-e-Alam (@falamb3) August 27, 2020
Meanwhile in #KarachiRain pic.twitter.com/WRSQGAZvri
— Siasat.pk (@siasatpk) August 27, 2020
City of lights, city of dreams, city that acts as a mother to our country “Karachi” is in crisis, it’s drowning, people jumping from rooftop into underpass, who could have thought of this. It may sound funny but it’s not. Karachi needs help#KarachiNeedsAttention #KarachiRain
— Raza samo (@KhujLeeFamily) August 28, 2020
DHA Karachi right now#KarachiRain pic.twitter.com/k9Mxp31oui
— Gibran Peshimam (@gibranp) August 27, 2020
My Uncle in Karachi had a heart attack this evening and relatives and neighbors tried everything from trying to drive him to physically carrying him on their shoulders to get to the hospital, but they couldn’t make it on time and he passed away. #KarachiRain
— Fatima Akram Hayat (@fatimakramhayat) August 27, 2020
This is DHA Phase 6 Karachi. What is happening in the low lying areas of KHI today is devastating yet once again.
Testing times for Karachiites yet again!
No doubt Allah tests those he loves the most.#KarachiRain #KarachiSinks #RainEmergency pic.twitter.com/MEBgRxWMCs— Ali Haider Zaidi (@AliHZaidiPTI) August 27, 2020
#KarachiRain
Shame on you Karachi govt pic.twitter.com/OGn6OfCKCS— Atif Khan (@AtifKha21369405) August 28, 2020
When will Karachi be treated as a financial hub? When will politicians finally recognize the city as an essential contributor towards the country, when will the suffering come to an end? When will corruption lose the battle citizens are fighting against every day? When will Sindh see a competent government instead of one that is making excuses?
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for more news and updates.