A major pipeline leak near the University of Karachi (KU) on Tuesday flooded large sections of the campus, triggering an emergency response from the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), The News reported.

The rupture occurred in an 84-inch-wide supply line, known as Siphon No. 19, submerging over half of KU’s residential area and allowing water to enter homes inside the university premises.

In a statement, the KWSC confirmed that the leak could lead to partial disruption of water supply to several neighbourhoods across Karachi.

The corporation’s spokesperson stated that KWSC Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Ali Siddiqui noticed the situation and directed relevant teams to begin repair work immediately.

To ensure the safety of repair crews and facilitate efficient operations, water pressure in the affected pipeline was temporarily reduced. Full-scale repair activities had already commenced and would continue around the clock.

The spokesperson added that the repair was expected to be completed within 96 hours. However, during this period, the water supply to different parts of Karachi would be partially suspended.

The affected neighbourhoods include Chanesar Town, Jinnah Town, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Pak Colony, Golimar, Shershah, Old City Area, Landhi, Korangi, and PAF Base Masroor.

Karachi typically received a total daily water supply of 650 million gallons per day (MGD), but due to the repair work, the city would face a temporary shortage of 250 MGD. Despite this, 400MGD would continue to be supplied as usual.

The Water Board has appealed to the public to store water and use it sparingly. Residents of the University of Karachi have said that electricity to the residential area has also been cut off, forcing them to take refuge in guest houses.