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In the past few days, Karachi has received a record amount of rainfall since 90 years. Experiencing the worst floods, over 90 people have lost their lives and more than 1000 houses have been severely destroyed.

With the weather forecast predicting more to come - the city, its people and their safety is under threat and severe pain.

However, in times of crisis, it may get very difficult to know and understand how to help. Hats off to resilient and hardworking organisations that took no time in putting their forces together to help the city and begin relief work for those who have suffered due to the floods.

While their efforts are a great first step, the only way to completely pull the city through what it has suffered is to join hands and amplify their impact. If you are looking to support from near or far and wondering how to assist, the following is a guide to help you do just that.

Where to donate?

There are several credible organisations that have come to the rescue. Edhi Welfare Organisation, Saylani Welfare Trust, Chippa Welfare Association, Noble Cause Foundation, Dua Foundation, Corona Ration Project, Karachi Relief Trust and JDC Foundation are just a few to name - accepting funds both locally and internationally.

Support these brilliant organisations trying to curb the damage done to Pakistan's most diverse cultural hub. Every rupee counts.

Keeping safe and cautious

Flooding is one of the most destructive natural hazards but there are ways you can minimise risk. For starters, stay away from wires and turn off power supply when water begins to seep in to your home (if K-Electric hasn't already done that for you).

Clean and disinfect everything that was stuck in flooded waters and keep a check on weather updates to be mindful.

Rangers to the rescue

In the case of an emergency, rangers can be contacted for immediate assistance regarding rescue or relief in Karachi. They are accessible on the Ranger helpline 1101 or their WhatsApp contact number 0347-9001111. For people in Karachi, it’s important to keep these numbers saved just in case of need.

Fire brigade services in Karachi

While we are hoping no one needs fire brigade services in the days to come and things remain calm, it’s still wise to have their contact details handy.

Central fire station

Phone number: ‎99215007, 99215008

Fire Brigade Station

Phone number: (021) 99215095

Saddar Fire Brigade Station

Phone number: 32259864 -32257960

Organi Fire Station

Phone number: (021) 36650515

Gulistan-e-Jauhar Fire Station

Phone number: (021) 34631918

Nazimabad Fire Station

Phone number: 0335 2867253

Towing services in Karachi

For those in the city, it’s also very important to have several contacts of towing services.

TCS Towing Services

Address: Bilal Builders, 148/N, street 2 Khayaban-e-Muslim, D.H.A Phase 6 Phase 6 Defence Housing Authority, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75500

Phone number: 0307 2000822

HS Car Towing Services

Address: Service Rd, D.H.A. Phase 1 Phase 1 Defence Housing Authority, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75500

Phone number: 0300 2097203

Reliance Roadside Assistance And Rescue Services RRR

Address: 257 Jamali Colony 13-D/2 Gulshan-E-Iqbal, Block 13 D 2 Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 75300

Phone number: 03212286280

Asif Car Carrier, Car Recovery & Towing Services Karachi Pakistan

Address: Gate No.3, Quad-e-Azam Truck Stand,, Hawksbay Road,, Gulbahar, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh 74000

Phone number: 0300 8433335

Carhelpline.pk (online)

Phone number: (03)111-681-111

Chaudhry Recovery Services (online)

Phone number: 0300-4099275

Ambulance services in Karachi

In most emergencies, people can’t think straight and make quick decision. Crisis like these, although sudden and unpredictable, quickly enable us to think about unpredictable and difficult situations and be in a better position to deal with them.

Edhi Ambulance Service

Address: Sector 13 Sector 13 D Orangi Town, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh

Phone number: (021) 204800 - 205656

Gulshan Station 5 Aman Ambulance Service

Address: C 121, Block 9 Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh

Phone number: (021) 36342277

Korangi Station 3 Aman Ambulance Service

Address: Landhi Local Rd, Lucknow Society Sector 31 E Korangi, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh

Phone number: (021) 111 111 823

Emergency Ambulance Service

Address: Orangi Road, Orangi Town, Karachi, Sindh

Phone number: 0313 2427629

Chippa Ambulance Service

Address: Chippa Ambulance Service, Dr. Bilmoria Street, City Railway Colony, Karachi, Karachi City, Sindh

Phone number: (021) 111-92-1020.

Small steps can go a long way!

You don’t have to necessarily donate a large sum to be making a difference. Small steps go a long way too. If you are in the city and relatively privileged, you can contribute to people around you.

Pay domestic staff on time and early; and give them food supplies and a few days’ time to overcome any challenges they may be facing. If you have extra space, accommodate friends and family who have no electricity or are at risk. Make sure to stay away from ordering or using delivery services of non-essential items because you may be putting someone’s life at risk unknowingly.

Cook food and send it over to your neighbours or those who may need it. Try to tip service workers more than usual or pay for their ride back home. At all times, remember, everyone’s safety is just as equal.

Prepare for a better tomorrow

Let this year’s monsoon be a catalyst for change in our lives, let’s get a grip on things so we never experience days like these again. Prepare for a better tomorrow; understand that if we don’t change and begin to take pollution and climate change seriously, the consequences are going to be worse.

It’s time we become responsible citizens, watch what we buy, minimise our waste, think about waste management and use renewable energy.

As far as Karachi is concerned, it’s going to rise once again, just as mentioned in ace baker and actor, Mariam Saleem’s golden words - “Karachi, you are old, you are wise, you are resilient. Karachi, let them plunder you no more. Karachi, rise. Rise like you always do. Soar high than ever before and fight. Do not let them pillage you. Karachi, take what is rightfully yours. Come what may. You are vast, you are beautiful, you have so many stories to tell. Karachi, purge, purge and shine anew. Karachi, I love you.”