KARACHI:  With another monsoon season looming, Karachi is on edge, anticipating crippling urban floods that have tragically become all too familiar. 

Despite warnings from Pakistan Meteorological Department and past experiences of severe flooding, preparations to clear city’s choked storm drains appear far from complete. Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, responsible for maintaining drainage system, had requested Rs 800 million for this crucial task. However, provincial government has only dished out Rs 410 million mere days before monsoon onset. Zulfiqar Abro Senior Director of Municipal Services disclosed that while KMC sought Rs 800 million, only half that amount has been released. Contractor is expected to receive work order by July 6 to commence cleaning 541 drains across city, which is just days before predicted downpour.