Women Struggle for Safety During Heavy Rains and Floods in Karachi
By Staff Reporter
August 19, 2025
Karachi’s heavy rains and flash floods exposed the challenges women face in commuting, safety, and rescue operations. From stranded vehicles to fear of street crime, women recount their struggles. Experts stress awareness campaigns and cultural sensitivity training for rescue teams.
Heavy monsoon rains once again exposed the vulnerabilities of women in Karachi, as flash floods paralyzed large parts of the city. For many, the journey home turned into a frightening test of courage and survival.
Fear and Struggle in Flooded Streets
Saima, a 20-year-old university student, shared her ordeal after her bus broke down on the flooded road between Nazimabad and Teen Hatti.
“We had to wade through knee-deep water,” she explained. “In some places, the water reached the waist of men, and we are barely five feet tall. We couldn’t ask anyone for help. Somehow, we managed to get home.”
Saima and her friend Sughra are among thousands of women who faced similar hardships on August 19, when different areas of Karachi recorded nearly 145mm of rainfall within hours.
Commuting Chaos Across the City
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Public transport collapsed, leaving people stranded in offices, schools, and markets. Women drivers and bikers were particularly affected as cars broke down in flooded streets.
Shama, a teacher, recounted how her vehicle got stuck on Sharae Faisal.
“People were knocking on my window to warn me. I was afraid to get out, but then an elderly man guided me to safety with the help of a couple who were passing by. That moment made me realise that sometimes we must set aside social barriers to survive.”
Groups of young girls were also seen walking through floodwaters, holding hands in chains to support each other. Their courage highlighted how cooperation and preparedness can make a difference in emergencies.
Safety Concerns Beyond the Flood
For some women, the fear extended beyond rising waters. Fatima, a 25-year-old, was travelling with her husband when their low Japanese car broke down.
“I was worried about criminals taking advantage of the chaos,” she said. “I didn’t even dare use my phone. Women like me, who live sheltered lives, often don’t know how to survive such situations.”
Her concern reflects recurring reports of street crime during severe traffic jams in Karachi.
Need for Awareness and Training
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The experiences of Saima, Shama, and Fatima shed light on the urgent need for awareness campaigns and training for women to handle emergencies. Rescue personnel also need proper cultural sensitivity training, ensuring that women feel safe accepting help during disasters.
Disaster management experts stress that social norms must not become barriers to life-saving assistance. At the same time, rescue teams must be trained in harassment prevention and community trust-building to ensure that women feel secure in vulnerable situations.
A Call for Action
The government, civil society, and rescue agencies must work together to create a safer environment for women during floods and natural disasters. With better preparedness, awareness, and trust, women will not have to fear both the water on the roads and the dangers around them.
