High Tide May Prevent Rainwater Drainage, Karachi Mayor Urges Patience During Rains

Karachi: Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab has cautioned citizens that the **high tide in the sea may prevent rainwater from draining properly**, urging residents to remain patient during heavy rainfall over the next two days.

Speaking at a press conference, the mayor said the **Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rains in Karachi and Sindh from September 8–10**. While major storm drains, including Gujjar Nullah, Orangi Nullah, and Mehmoodabad Nullah, have been cleaned and additional pumps installed, high sea levels could hinder the outflow of rainwater. “If heavy rain falls, citizens should wait two to three hours. Water drainage will be ensured within this time,” he assured.

Wahab said **municipal staff leaves have been canceled**, 120 water and sewerage vehicles deployed, and relief camps set up at key choke points to provide stranded citizens with food and water. “Traffic jams worsen during panic, so citizens must avoid rushing onto the roads,” he added.

The mayor noted that **all 46 drains of Karachi flow into the sea**, and with the recent lunar cycle causing stronger tides, there is a risk the sea may push back water instead of absorbing it. “We have done our part by cleaning the drains, but during high tide, the sea may not take the water,” he said.

Wahab also criticized political opponents for exploiting the rain situation for point-scoring, emphasizing that **coordination between local and provincial authorities** is key to effective flood management. He appealed to the Prime Minister to ensure that federal development bodies like PIDCL work with local authorities before executing projects.

“Serving Karachi and ending political hypocrisy is our mission,” the mayor said, stressing that drainage, relief, and emergency work will continue round-the-clock to minimize public inconvenience.