Karachi Schools Closed Due to Heavy Rainfall and Urban Flooding: Comprehensive Report

🌧️ 1. Overview of the Closure Decision

The Sindh government has officially declared Wednesday, September 10, 2025, a holiday for all educational institutions in Karachi Division due to severe monsoon weather conditions. This decision was confirmed through a notification issued by the Karachi Commissioner and applies to both public and private schools, colleges, and other educational establishments . The measure was taken in response to a weather advisory from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), which forecast widespread rain, strong winds, and thundershowers across the city .

📜 2. Official Notification and Rationale

The notification stated: *”In view of the ensuing heavy monsoon rains in Karachi Division and the weather advisory issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department regarding widespread rain-wind/thundershower, the Government of Sindh hereby announces Wednesday, September 10, 2025, as a holiday for educational institutions”* . The primary rationale behind this decision is to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff during extreme weather conditions and to minimize hazards caused by urban flooding and traffic disruptions .

📊 3. Weather Conditions and Impact

Karachi has experienced intermittent heavy rainfall since Tuesday, September 9, with the Pakistan Meteorological Department recording particularly intense precipitation in several areas . The highest rainfall was recorded in Surjani Town at 116mm (as per some reports) or 129mm (as per others), with significant rainfall also reported in North Karachi (72.2mm), Korangi (70.5mm), DHA (70mm), and Gulshan-e-Hadeed (69mm) . The PMD warned that this monsoon system—described as a deep depression originating from Madhya Pradesh, India—would continue to affect Karachi with heavy to very heavy rainfall through September 10, creating a significant risk of urban flooding .

🏫 4. Affected Institutions and Examinations

The closure affects all educational institutions within the territorial jurisdiction of Karachi Division, including:

• All public and private schools

• Colleges and universities

• Other educational establishments

Examinations scheduled for September 10 have been postponed, with institutions like the Dow University of Health Sciences and Jinnah Sindh Medical University announcing that revised schedules would be communicated later . Universities have shifted classes online where possible to maintain academic continuity .

🚧 5. Broader Impacts and Emergency Response

The heavy rainfall has led to severe urban flooding and significant disruption across Karachi:

• Infrastructure Damage: Major roads were submerged, cutting off access to areas like the Super Highway, Gulshan-e-Hadeed, and the National Highway .

• Building Collapses: Two blocks of a residential building complex in Gulistan-e-Jauhar partially sank due to ground weakening from excessive water flow, forcing the evacuation of over 200 residents .

• Rescue Operations: The Pakistan Army, Rangers, Pakistan Navy, and Edhi Foundation teams launched relief operations, rescuing stranded citizens from areas like Shahbaz Goth and Khameeso Jokhio Goth .

• Administrative Response: Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab spent the night inspecting affected areas, including the Lyari River and Malir River, and directed authorities to deploy additional water pumps and ensure timely resolution of public complaints .

📣 6. Public and Institutional Reactions

The Private Schools and Colleges Association (PSCA) had earlier demanded a holiday, citing accumulated rainwater on roads across Karachi . Public reactions on social media have been mixed, with some supporting the decision as a necessary safety measure, while others questioned the rationale and called for similar measures for workplaces .

🚨 7. Precautionary Advice and Further Measures

Authorities have advised residents to:

• Avoid unnecessary travel and steer clear of electric poles and exposed wires .

• Follow official updates from schools and local authorities regarding the resumption of classes .

• Ensure safety during commutes if travel is essential, by avoiding underpasses and waterlogged routes .

The government continues to monitor the situation closely, with the PMD forecasting another spell of rainfall in the next 24-48 hours . The Sindh Chief Minister has ordered constant monitoring of dam flows and stressed regular public updates to ensure safety .

💎 8. Key Details at a Glance

🏁 9. Conclusion

The decision to close schools in Karachi on September 10, 2025, was a precautionary measure taken in response to severe monsoon weather and significant urban flooding. While this disruption affects educational activities, it underscores the priority given to student and staff safety during extreme weather events. The situation highlights ongoing challenges related to urban infrastructure and drainage systems in Karachi,