Karachi is once again facing a severe water crisis after a major failure at the Dhabeji Pumping Station caused a critical supply line to rupture, highlighting the city’s vulnerable infrastructure. The incident resulted in the loss of millions of gallons of water and disrupted supplies across several key areas, according to The Express Tribune.

Officials reported that the disruption occurred late Sunday night when an unexpected power outage forced multiple pumps at the K-III Pump House and Phase-II system to shut down. This sudden stoppage caused severe pressure fluctuations in the pipeline network, ultimately leading to the bursting of the 72-inch main line.

Large amounts of water spilled into surrounding areas before authorities could control the situation. Emergency repair teams were immediately deployed, working continuously to restore the damaged infrastructure. Officials expressed serious concern over recurring power outages at the Dhabeji facility, warning that such interruptions pose a significant threat to Karachi’s already strained water supply system. They urged K-Electric to maintain a stable power supply to prevent the crisis from worsening.

The breakdown has affected several densely populated neighborhoods, including Korangi, Landhi, Malir, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and parts of District Central, where residents are likely to face water shortages for 24 to 48 hours. Authorities have advised people to conserve water and prepare for delays, with a surge in tanker demand expected. According to sources in the Water Corporation, while repairs may be completed within a day, restoring full supply will take longer due to the need for gradual pressure stabilization. Partial service could resume by night if no additional issues arise, The Express Tribune reported.