Karachi: Torrential rains in Karachi triggered the overflow of Thado Dam, sending a powerful flood stream surging toward the M-9 Motorway and submerging a large portion of the busy highway.
According to reports, roads around Al-Habib Restaurant on the Super Highway were inundated, forcing authorities to suspend traffic in both directions between Karachi and Hyderabad. The National Highways and Motorway Police confirmed that water levels had risen to the edges of the motorway, leaving key stretches underwater.
To mitigate the situation, officials began removing crash barriers on the M-9 to divert floodwaters. Still, the deluge swept into nearby residential neighborhoods, where four to five feet of water was reported in several locations.
On the instructions of Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the Commissioner of Karachi activated rescue and relief teams. Officials said parts of the motorway’s central divider were being dismantled to allow water to flow out and ease pressure on the road.
The overflow from Thado Dam also reached Saadi Town, triggering panic among residents struggling to save their belongings and vehicles. Eyewitnesses reported that a rickshaw and a van were washed away in the strong current, while floodwaters entered several homes.
Flood-affected areas included Malir, Sohrab Goth, Machar Colony, Khameeso Jokhio Goth, and parts of New Karachi. Rescue operations were launched using boats to evacuate stranded families. Rescue 1122 and Edhi Foundation teams were on site, working to remove water, open blocked routes, and transport residents to safety.
Rangers were also deployed in several affected localities alongside district authorities and rescue workers to support relief efforts.
Traffic police reported that both tracks near the Motorway Police office on M-9 had been shut. Vehicles from Hyderabad were diverted to Model Road, while Karachi-bound traffic was rerouted back through the Sabzi Mandi cut.
Authorities have urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and use alternate routes if needed. With more rain expected, officials warned that additional neighborhoods could come under water.
