CM Sindh rebukes local govt for sub-par performance during rain in Karachi

KARACHI: Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah expressed his displeasure at the failure of municipal officers to fulfill their responsibilities to clear water-logged roads and minimise rain-related incidents in the provincial capital.

Chairing a meeting here, Shah said that the city’s Yousuf Goth and other areas were submerged in water during the recent torrential rains because of the "laziness" of the District Municipal Corporations. He also directed Minister for Local Government Jam Khan Shoro to take action against “thieves” and submit a report in this regard.

The chief minister expressed his displeasure over the performance of the Karachi Water & Sewerage Board and said that the department failed to do its work despite having a workforce of 12,000 employees.

Local government officials also updated Shah about their respective departments’ performance during rain.

At least 13 dead as rain batters Karachi; Army contingents deployed for assistance

The highest rainfall was recorded in Nazimabad at over 130mm

At least 13 people, including four children, died after the metropolis was battered with heavy rainfall on Thursday which saw Army contingents being deployed to assist in rescue efforts.

A breach in Thado dam, a rainwater retention dam situated on Malir river, flooded two nearby villages and Saadi Town.

The situation prompted the deployment of Pakistan Army and Sindh Rangers contingents to carry out rescue efforts in the affected localities.

The northern areas of Karachi were the worst affected, with rainwater flooding homes and other structures in low-lying areas.

The downpour not only resulted in closing down of around 90 per cent of the city's markets but also led to a halt in traffic on the link road of National Highway and Super Highway as the Goods' Transport Association decided its vehicles would stay put till the situation improves.

Traders suffered losses worth Rs100 million, according to All Karachi Trade Union Chairman Ateeq Mir.

Blaming the government, he said that the losses occurred due to the local government being woefully unprepared.