Karachi was battered by intense heavy rainfall and powerful thunderstorms on Wednesday night, accompanied by strong gusts of wind that wreaked havoc across the metropolis. The severe weather conditions led to the tragic loss of 18 lives and left several others injured, highlighting the vulnerability of the city’s infrastructure during such natural events. The downpour was widespread, affecting numerous neighborhoods and causing significant distress among residents.
Rainfall was recorded in a variety of localities, including key areas such as Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulzar-e-Hijri, North Karachi, Surjani Town, and North Nazimabad. In addition to these, central and southern parts of the city, including Saddar, Tower, Sharea Faisal, II Chundrigar Road, Federal B Area, Hassan Square, Manghopir, SITE Area, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Defence, and Clifton, also experienced heavy showers. The intensity of the rain was particularly notable at Karachi Airport, Model Town, and several sectors within Malir, where downpours were especially heavy.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed that the rainfall was accompanied by strong winds, with speeds reaching up to 90 kilometers per hour along Sharea Faisal and peaking at 97 kilometers per hour in Mauripur. These fierce winds contributed to the damage caused by the storms, including the collapse of walls and the uprooting of trees. In Baldia Town, the collapse of a wall tragically resulted in the deaths of eight individuals, while in Majid Colony, Quaidabad, another wall collapse injured three people. Such incidents underscore the dangers posed by the city’s aging and vulnerable infrastructure during extreme weather events.
Among the areas recording the highest rainfall was Korangi, which received 55.6 millimeters of rain, followed by Mauripur with 22 millimeters and DHA Phase-II with 15 millimeters. Other parts of Karachi saw comparatively lighter rainfall, including Gulistan-e-Jauhar with 13 millimeters, Kemari at 12 millimeters, Airport Old Area and Sharea Faisal each with 9 millimeters, Saddar Town also at 9 millimeters, and Jinnah Terminal with 8 millimeters. These figures reflect the uneven distribution of rainfall across the city, which contributed to localized flooding and traffic disruptions.
In response to the deteriorating weather conditions, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab issued a public advisory urging residents to limit their movement and avoid unnecessary travel until the situation stabilizes. He emphasized the dangers posed by fallen trees and debris, specifically warning people to steer clear of Club Road near Karachi Gymkhana, where several trees had been uprooted by the strong winds. The mayor assured the public that updates would be provided regularly as the city navigates through this challenging period.
Looking ahead, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds across Karachi and other parts of Sindh through Thursday. The weather system responsible for these conditions is a westerly wave moving into the western regions of the country. Under this system, moderate to heavy showers, isolated hailstorms, and gusty winds are expected to persist in districts such as Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Matiari, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Nosheroferoz, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Dadu, as well as throughout the Karachi division.
Furthermore, rain and thunderstorms with strong winds are anticipated in northern Sindh districts including Larkana, Qambar Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Ghotki, and Sukkur, although these areas may experience occasional breaks in the rainfall. The PMD also cautioned about the possibility of isolated lightning strikes during this period, advising farmers and residents to take necessary precautions and manage agricultural activities in accordance with the prevailing weather conditions. This extended forecast highlights the ongoing challenges posed by the monsoon season in the region and the need for preparedness at all levels.
