Power outages grip Karachi as urban flooding hampers restoration efforts

Power outages were reported across several parts of Karachi amid heavy rainfall since Tuesday morning, with many areas still plunged into darkness, leaving netizens frustrated as they grapple with daily disruptions and limited access to essential services.

At least seven people were reported dead heavy monsoon rains battered the city, flooding neighbourhoods, paralysing traffic and knocking out power, prompting the mayor to enforce a rain emergency.

K-Electric (KE) spokesperson said that Karachi’s drainage system was overwhelmed by rainfall that far exceeded its designed capacity, resulting in urban flooding across the city and complicating power restoration work in several localities.

In a statement, the utility claimed that its distribution system remains stable, but added that the safety of life and property, and prevention of accidents, remains the top priority. “At present, more than 1,550 of the city’s 2,100 feeders are operational,” the spokesperson said, noting that supply restoration continues where conditions allow.

KE said standing rainwater in various areas continues to hinder restoration efforts, as safety clearances are required before ground teams can begin work. “As soon as water levels recede and safety is confirmed by teams on ground, restoration work resumes in affected areas,” the spokesperson added.

The statement added that fuel supply disruptions in the city have severely affected the mobility of K-Electric’s vehicles, while traffic congestion on major roads is also delaying power restoration efforts.

Power supply has so far been restored in several areas, including Gol Market, Nazimabad C-3 and 3D, Metroville, Orangi No 5, Federal B Area Blocks 7 and 9, Machhar Colony, North Karachi Sectors 8, 9, 11A and 11B, Pak Colony, Eidgah Ground, Moosa Colony, FC Area, Punjab Colony, Clifton Block 5, PNS Johar, Khudadad Colony, Shahnawaz Bhutto Colony, Shah Faisal Mohalla, and Mujeeb Goth.

Additionally, electricity has also been restored in Khayaban-e-Bukhari, Muhafiz, Rahat, Shujat, Rahat Commercial, Clifton Blocks 2 and 3, Shah Faisal Colony No 2, Surjani, P&T Colony, and Ancholi, according to the spokesperson.

Other areas where power has been restored include Sir Syed Road, Khalid Bin Waleed Road, PECHS Blocks 2 and 3, Abdullah Haroon Road, Gharibabad, Furniture Market, PIB Colony, Nafeesabad, Iqbal Colony, North Nazimabad Blocks J, S, and T, Gulistan-e-Jauhar Blocks 5, 6, and 9, Saadi Town, and Manzoor Colony.

Also Read: Schools closed in Karachi following heavy downpour

“Our teams have been on-ground, working through challenging conditions to restore power as quickly and safely as possible,” said KE Chief Distribution and Marcomms Officer Sadia Dada.

“Temporary shutdowns were implemented in waterlogged areas purely for public safety, and restoration was prioritized as soon as conditions allowed. We strongly urge citizens to maintain safe distance from electrical infrastructure during rains including poles, electricity meters, service brackets, broken and tangled internet/cable wires. Internal wiring and water motors should not be operated with wet hands or in standing water. Only certified electricians should be engaged in case of electrical faults within households,” she added.

Meanwhile, no KE infrastructure was found involved nor any report of broken wire was received from the site of any of the electrocution incidents reported during the rain spell as per preliminary investigations, according to an official release.

Residents have been advised to report electricity-related emergencies by dialling 118, while the utility has reminded the public that it can also be contacted via social media platforms, KE WhatsApp service, the 118 helpline, and the KE Live app.