Torrential rains battered Karachi on Tuesday, crippling traffic, flooding roads, and leaving thousands stranded for hours across the city. Long queues of vehicles formed on major thoroughfares, while residents struggled to reach home or work amid waterlogging and gridlocks.
Yet, in the middle of chaos, the resilience and generosity of Karachiites shone through. Cafes, shops, offices, and mosques opened their doors to stranded commuters, offering shelter, free tea, charging stations, and WiFi.
“If you are caught in the rain, our doors are open. Come in, take a seat, dry off, and make yourself at home,” read one cafe’s announcement, assuring that visitors did not need to place an order.
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The initiative was quickly echoed across the city. Social media was filled with offers of help, with residents opening offices and homes to provide safe spaces near Shahrah-e-Faisal, DHA, Clifton, PECHS, and Gulshan-e-Iqbal.
Political worker Khizar Khan confirmed a wider effort, stating that all 103 mosques, madaris, and party offices in Karachi had been opened to the public, offering night stays, toilets, food, water, and charging facilities.
The humanitarian response came as heavy monsoon rains claimed at least seven lives in Karachi, flooding neighborhoods and bringing traffic to a standstill.
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According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Saadi Town recorded the heaviest rainfall at 176mm, followed by Gulshan-e-Hadeed (173mm), Nazimabad (175.6mm), and Karachi Airport’s old area (158.7mm). Other areas such as Jinnah Terminal, Surjani Town, North Karachi, Keamari, University Road, DHA, Gulshan-e-Memar, and Korangi also recorded significant downpours.
Mayor Murtaza Wahab has declared a rain emergency in the city, directing municipal teams to remain on high alert to deal with urban flooding, traffic disruption, and other rain-related incidents.
