On Wednesday, August 20, 2025, the Sindh government announced a Karachi public holiday after heavy rain paralysed the city.
Moreover, Mayor Murtaza Wahab also declared a rain emergency as more showers are forecast.
Karachi public holiday
Schools across Karachi will remain closed today under a Sindh Education Department order covering public and private institutions.
The KMC cancelled all leave for essential services and activated emergency arrangements to keep crews on duty.
By 8pm Tuesday, the Met Office recorded the heaviest rain in Gulshan-i-Hadeed at 170mm, followed by Airport Old Area 158.5mm.
Similarly, at Jinnah Terminal 152.8mm, Nazimabad 149.6mm and Surjani Town 145.2mm.
Several neighbourhoods reported flooding and extended power cuts.
Authorities urged people to avoid unnecessary travel while operations teams cleared drains and managed traffic diversions.
Flight schedules were also disrupted amid the downpour and poor visibility.
The Karachi public holiday aims to reduce movement while emergency services restore utilities and drainage.
The Met Office warned of additional heavy rain on August 20–21, so residents in low-lying areas should follow advisories and keep helplines handy.
Next steps include continued de-watering, removal of debris from nullahs and rapid repair of damaged feeders.
City officials said updates will follow through the day as teams respond to new weather cells.
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