KARACHI: Heavy rains caused the Thadu Dam in the Karachi (Gadap Town) area to overflow on Thursday, triggering severe flooding that disrupted major highways and submerged residential neighborhoods.
The powerful rush of floodwater first hit the M-9 Motorway and then swept into the nearby Super Highway. The water rose so high that it reached the edge of the road, completely blocking all traffic between Karachi and Hyderabad.
To manage the crisis, authorities made the decision to break a section of the central barrier (crush barrier) on the M-9 Motorway. This was done to create a channel for the water to flow through and help drain the highway more quickly.
The flooding has severely impacted several residential areas near the Super Highway. In places like Saadi Town, water levels reached 4 to 5 feet, entering homes and sweeping away rickshaws and vans. Widespread panic has been reported as residents struggle to save their belongings and vehicles.
Areas including Malir, Sohrab Goth, Machar Colony, Khamisu Jokhio Goth, and parts of New Karachi are among the worst affected. Rescue teams, including Rescue 1122 and the Edhi Foundation, are using boats to evacuate stranded residents and move them to safer locations.
Following the instructions of the Sindh Chief Minister, Commissioner Karachi has mobilized all rescue and relief teams. Pakistan Rangers are also on the ground, coordinating with district administration and other organizations in the relief efforts.
The Motorway Police have completely closed sections of the M-9 Motorway due to the flood threat. Traffic from Hyderabad to Karachi is being diverted to Model Road, while traffic from Karachi to Hyderabad is being sent back into the city via the Sabzi Mandi Cut.
Citizens are strongly advised to avoid all unnecessary travel to these areas and to use alternative routes if travel is essential.
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