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Karachi Faces Severe Water Crisis After Power Failure Bursts Pipes

Karachi's water supply has been suspended for six days after a power failure at the Dhabeji pumping station burst three major transmission lines. The crisis affects over 30 million residents in neighborhoods like Korangi, Landhi, and Gulistan-e-Jauhar amid scorching summer heat. Seven pumping stations remain out of service, with repairs ongoing and water restoration possibly starting Sunday. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal highlighted that Pakistan's water crisis stems from mismanagement, not just scarcity.

Key Points: Karachi Water Crisis: Supply Cut for 6 Days After Burst Pipes

  • Power failure at Dhabeji pumping station burst 3 water lines
  • Supply suspended for 6 days in multiple Karachi neighborhoods
  • 7 pumping stations out of service, causing major shortfall
  • Regular supply expected to resume 24 hours after repairs complete
2 min read

Pakistan: Karachi faces severe water crisis as major supply lines burst after power failure

Karachi faces a severe water crisis as burst pipes from a power failure cut supply for 6 days. Residents suffer in summer heat; restoration may take days.

"Pakistan's water crisis is not solely about scarcity but is also significantly linked to persistent mismanagement. - Ahsan Iqbal"

Karachi, May 3

The densely populated metropolis, home to more than 30 million people, has been facing a severe water crisis as supply has remained suspended in several neighbourhoods for the last six days, further intensifying hardships for residents amid the scorching and relentless summer heat, according to a report by The Express Tribune.

The crisis began on April 27 following a major power failure at the Dhabeji pumping station, which caused three primary water transmission lines to burst.

While repair work on Line No. 5 has been completed, restoration efforts on Line No. 1 and Line No. 2 were still underway even after six days.

Because of this disruption, water supply has been halted in multiple parts of the city, including Korangi, Landhi, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Liaquatabad, PIB Colony, Nazimabad, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, and Chanesar Goth, among other areas, TET reported.

The Karachi Water and Sanitation Corporation (KWSC) stated that, due to the breakdown and continuing repair operations, seven pumping stations at the Dhabeji facility are currently out of service, resulting in a significant shortfall in water supply across the metropolis.

KWSC added that work is ongoing to complete the repairs, with water restoration possibly beginning by Sunday. However, officials cautioned that regular water supply is expected to fully resume only 24 hours after the repair process is completed, as cited by the TET report.

According to TET, water supply interruptions are expected to persist across the city for the next three to four days, further aggravating conditions for residents already struggling with the crisis.

Earlier, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal unveiled a comprehensive and multi-dimensional national strategy designed to tackle Pakistan's worsening water crisis, stressing the importance of a coordinated and science-based approach to ensure sustainable water resources for the future, according to The Express Tribune (TET).

Speaking at the "Roundtable Consultation on National Water Security" held on Wednesday under the "Uraan Pakistan" initiative, the minister said Pakistan's water crisis is not solely about scarcity but is also significantly linked to persistent mismanagement.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
This is heartbreaking to read. Six days without running water for millions of people, especially with temperatures soaring. The fact that they're repairing lines but it'll still take another 3-4 days for full restoration is just cruel. I hope international aid organizations step in quickly to provide emergency water supplies.
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Sneha F
Pakistan mein to aisa hi hota hai. 😔 Mismanagement is their middle name. But as an Indian, I can't feel too smug - we have our own water crises in cities like Delhi and Mumbai every summer. The difference is at least our government tries to fix things quickly. Here, "planning minister" Ahsan Iqbal is having roundtables while people are dying of thirst. Priorities, yaar!
J
James A
As someone who has visited Karachi, this is truly sad. The city has so much potential but years of poor governance and infrastructure decay have created this nightmare. I hope the repair work speeds up and people get relief soon. Climate change is making summers more brutal across South Asia - we all need better water management!
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Rahul R
Ye to routine hai Pakistan ke liye. 😅 Kabhi power crisis, kabhi water crisis, kabhi inflation crisis... But seriously, 30 million people without water for 6 days is no joke. The Dhabeji pumping station should have backup generators and redundancy built in. Poor planning ka natija. India should ensure our essential infrastructure is robust - learn from others' mistakes!
T
Tanya I
As an Indian who lives in a city with water problems, I can empathize with

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