KARACHI: At least eleven people died, rescue sources said Friday, in Karachi after heavy rain lashed the megapolis triggering a power breakdown in most parts.
The downpour resulted in tripping of 400 feeders plunging Korangi Crossing, North Karachi, New Karachi, Lyari, Old City Area, Saddar, Gulistan e Jauhar and several other areas into darkness.
Friday’s rain left seven people dead in the metropolis, according to rescue sources, with most of them electrocuted as rain water inundated a number of low-lying localities.
A spokesperson for the K-Electric, the main power supplier in the city, said power supply to 200 feeders was restored and that work was in progress on remaining feeders.
As soon as the power supply was disconnected, the 72-inch diameter pipeline of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) ruptured, suspending water supply to the city of over 20 million.
The KWSB spokesman alleged that the pipeline burst after the K-Electric repeatedly disconnected power supply to different pumping stations.
Meanwhile, Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah telephoned managing director of the K-Electric and directed him to ensure uninterrupted power supply to the megapolis.
Earlier, the heavy rain resulted in massive traffic snarl-ups across Karachi. Citizens panicked while struggling to inch forth on major thoroughfares for hours.
