The city of Karachi was struck by intense rainfall and powerful thunderstorms on Wednesday night, resulting in tragic loss of life and widespread damage. At least 19 people have died due to rain-related incidents, including a devastating building collapse in Mawachh Goth, Baldia Town. The collapse has drawn immediate attention from Sindh’s Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who has urged authorities to accelerate rescue operations and deploy all necessary resources to assist those affected.
Rescue teams have so far retrieved 13 bodies from the rubble of the collapsed structure in Mawachh Goth, with search efforts ongoing to locate additional victims who may still be trapped beneath the debris. Initial investigations indicate that many of the victims had sought refuge inside the building to escape the relentless downpour and violent winds. It is notable that a significant number of those who lost their lives were reportedly drug addicts, highlighting the vulnerability of marginalized communities during such natural disasters.
In response to the calamity, Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the site to oversee the rescue operations firsthand. Lanjar emphasized the importance of exhausting every possible measure to save survivors, while Mayor Wahab ensured that the injured receive immediate medical attention. Their presence underscores the gravity of the situation and the government’s commitment to managing the crisis effectively.
Tragically, the destruction was not confined to Mawachh Goth alone. In Landhi’s Majeed Colony, a wall collapse claimed the lives of two individuals, including a woman, and left three others injured. Another fatality occurred near Yaru Goth in Malir River when a man was struck by lightning during the storm. Further casualties were reported in Korangi, where a woman died after the roof of her home gave way in Sector 3½, and a man lost his life when a tree fell on him in Korangi No 5. Rescue officials confirmed that at least seven people sustained injuries in various incidents linked to the severe weather conditions across Karachi.
The rainfall was widespread, affecting numerous neighborhoods such as Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulzar-e-Hijri, North Karachi, Surjani Town, and North Nazimabad. Other areas including Saddar, Tower, Sharea Faisal, II Chundrigar Road, Federal B Area, Hassan Square, Manghopir, SITE area, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Defence, and Clifton also experienced showers. Even Karachi’s airport and Model Town, along with several parts of Malir, reported heavy downpours. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) noted that the rain was accompanied by strong winds, with gusts reaching speeds of up to 90 kilometers per hour on Sharea Faisal and 97 kilometers per hour in Mauripur.
Korangi recorded the highest rainfall at 55.6 millimeters, followed by Mauripur with 22 millimeters and DHA Phase-II receiving 15 millimeters. Other localities such as Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Kemari, Airport Old Area, Sharea Faisal, Saddar Town, and Jinnah Terminal reported lighter but significant rainfall ranging from 8 to 13 millimeters. The intensity of the weather system has disrupted normal life and raised concerns about further damage and casualties if the conditions persist.
In light of the ongoing storm, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel until the weather stabilizes. He highlighted the dangers posed by fallen trees and urged caution, particularly around Club Road near Karachi Gymkhana, where several trees had been uprooted due to the strong winds. The mayor’s warnings aim to prevent further accidents and ensure public safety during this challenging period.
Earlier in the day, the PMD had forecasted the arrival of rain and thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and isolated hailstorms across Karachi and other parts of Sindh. This weather pattern is attributed to a westerly wave moving into the western regions of Pakistan. The department warned that several districts including Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Matiari, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Nosheroferoz, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Dadu, as well as the Karachi division, could experience moderate to heavy showers with strong winds and occasional hail.
Moreover, rain and thunderstorms with gusty winds were also expected in northern districts such as Larkana, Qambar Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Ghotki, and Sukkur, albeit with intermittent breaks. The PMD cautioned about possible isolated lightning strikes during this period and advised farmers to take necessary precautions to protect their crops from adverse weather effects. This comprehensive forecast highlights the widespread impact of the current weather system across Sindh, emphasizing the need for vigilance and preparedness among residents and authorities alike.
