Torrential rains leave 11 dead in southern Pakistan

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - At least eleven people were killed and several others injured as massive monsoon rains crippled life in southern Pakistan on Thursday, officials and local media reported.

All the deaths were reported in Karachi -- the country’s most populous city -- mainly because of electrocution and roof collapse incidents, forcing the administration to call the army to join the rescue efforts, Arshad Vohra, deputy mayor of Karachi, told reporters.

“We are running short of machinery and rescue teams. Therefore, we have requested the engineering corps of Pakistan army to assist us as the gravity of the crisis is huge”, Vohra said.

Footages aired on local TV channels showed scores of vehicles trapped in several inundated roads and highways in the city.

Chief of Army Staff Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa has directed for provision of all out assistance to the civil administration in the city, an army spokesman said.

Almost 90 percent of the main business and commercial centers and markets remained closed due to heavy rains, which, according to the meteorological department, are likely to lash the city for next 48 hours.

Rainwater entered scores of houses in low-lying areas of southern and western districts of the metropolis, where administration has issued evacuation warning due to increasing water level in at least two rain streams, local Geo TV reported.

Inter-city transport from and to Karachi was also suspended due to inundation of the main highway at several spots.

Monsoon rains have long been wreaking havoc with normal course of life in Karachi due to unplanned urbanization, and increasing population and migration.