23 killed in Pakistan Floods

Heavy rainfall swamps Karachi, Pakistan. Photo By Shahzaib Akber/EPA 

 

Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Heavy rains in Karachi, Pakistan, flooded the streets, leading to the death of at least 23 people.

The Gujjar Nullah storm drain overflowed Thursday after the Lyari river reached its tipping point, sending water onto roads near the city's major hospitals. North Nazimabad, North Karachi, Orangi, Malir, Drigh Road, NIPA, Northern Bypass and Gujjar Nala have all been submerged.

Most of those killed in the flooding were electrocuted. Seven of them were children.

Dr. Aijaz Khokhar, a police surgeon at the Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, told Pakistan Today, "The number of deaths might be higher."

With rainfall reaching up to 5.11 inches on Thursday and even more rain expected Friday, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi directed 15 Pakistan Army and Pakistan Rangers Sindh teams, a C-130 aircraft and two helicopters to help clear the roads and deal with emergency situations.

Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar visited the flooded sites to assess the damage.

"The municipal leadership is busy doing its job and we will not go back home until the situation is normalized," Akhtar said.

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