Pakistan: Karachi rains disrupt power supply as over 200 feeders trip during first monsoon spell
Karachi, July 25
Karachi's first spell of the monsoon season triggered widespread power outages across the city after more than 200 feeders of Pakistan's K-Electric were affected by rain-related faults, with electricity supply disrupted in several neighbourhoods, The Express Tribune reported.
According to The Express Tribune, low to moderate rainfall began in different parts of the city on Friday, exposing the vulnerability of Karachi's power distribution network despite K-Electric's assertion that its emergency response teams had been placed on high alert ahead of the monsoon spell.
The report said multiple feeders, substations and pole-mounted transformers (PMTs) tripped shortly after rainfall started, while snapped power lines and damaged PMTs also contributed to prolonged electricity outages in several localities.
As reported by The Express Tribune, light to moderate showers were recorded in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Federal B Area, Nazimabad, Jamshed Road and nearby areas.
Rainfall was also witnessed in DHA, Mehmoodabad, Empress Market, Bohri Bazaar, PIB Colony,, Guru Mandir, Jamshed Road, Naval Colony, Moach Goth, Orangi Town, Federal B Area, North Nazimabad, Sohrab Goth, Scheme 33, Shadman Town, Mang Jahangir Park and several other parts of Karachi.
Electricity supply was suspended in numerous neighbourhoods, including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Guru Mandir, Jamshed Road, Naval Colony, Moach Goth, Orangi Town, Federal B Area, North Nazimabad, Sohrab Goth, Scheme 33, Shadman Town, Manghopir, Banaras, Nazimabad and Paposh Nagar, among other localities.
According to The Express Tribune, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) attributed the prevailing weather conditions to strong monsoon currents moving into Sindh from the Arabian Sea due to a low-pressure system over southwestern Rajasthan.
The PMD said Karachi is likely to experience additional rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning on Saturday and Sunday under the influence of the same weather system.
The Met Office further stated that from July 25 to 27, several districts of Sindh, including Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Hyderabad, Matiari, Jamshoro and Shaheed Benazirabad, are expected to receive rain along with strong winds, dust storms and thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall is also likely at isolated locations, according to The Express Tribune.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's sad to see basic utilities failing in a city of 20 million people. K-Electric should have had backup plans in place. This isn't just about inconvenience—it's about safety, especially for hospitals and elderly people.
Been following this from India. Karachi's weather pattern is similar to our coastal cities. The real issue here is lack of investment in underground cabling and drainage. Hope both countries learn from each other's mistakes. 🙏
Respectfully, this seems like a systemic failure. K-Electric said they were on high alert but 200+ feeders tripped shows poor maintenance. In Chennai, we face similar issues but at least restoration is faster. Citizens deserve better.
Weather is unpredictable, but infrastructure should be a priority. I feel for the residents—especially those in Orangi Town and other underserved areas. Power outages in heat and humidity are terrible. Stay safe, Karachi! 🇵🇰❤️
Having lived in both Mumbai and Karachi, I can say the problem is similar—old infrastructure and poor planning. But at least in India, power companies are held accountable by regulators. Hope Pakistan strengthens its oversight too. 😔
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