Karachi was struck by a severe weather event on Wednesday night, as heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds swept across the city, leading to tragic consequences. The death toll from rain-related incidents has climbed to at least 19, with multiple casualties reported due to collapsing structures and other storm-related accidents. The most devastating incident occurred in Mawachh Goth, Baldia Town, where a building gave way under the pressure of the storm, trapping numerous people beneath the rubble.
In the aftermath of the collapse in Mawachh Goth, rescue teams have so far recovered 13 bodies from the debris. Search operations continue as authorities work tirelessly to locate any survivors who might still be trapped. Initial findings suggest that many of the victims had sought refuge inside the building to escape the heavy downpour and fierce winds. It is also noted that a significant number of those who lost their lives were individuals struggling with drug addiction, highlighting the vulnerability of marginalized communities during such disasters.
Following the tragedy, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah promptly took notice of the situation and directed the district administration and emergency services to mobilize all available resources for swift rescue and relief efforts. His instructions emphasized the urgency of the response to minimize further loss of life. Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Zia Lanjar and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab personally visited the site in Mawachh Goth to oversee the ongoing rescue operations and ensure that survivors receive immediate medical attention.
In addition to the building collapse, several other fatal incidents were reported across Karachi due to the storm. In Landhi’s Majeed Colony, a wall collapse claimed the lives of two people, including a woman, while three others sustained injuries. Another fatality occurred near Yaru Goth in Malir River when a person was struck by lightning. The storm also caused structural damage in Korangi, where a woman died after the roof of her house caved in, and a man lost his life when a tree fell on him in Korangi No 5. Rescue authorities confirmed that at least seven people were injured in various other rain-related accidents throughout the city.
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. The downpour was particularly heavy in parts of Malir and at Karachi airport, as well as Model Town. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported that the rain was accompanied by strong winds, with gusts reaching 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 with 15 millimeters. Other localities experienced lighter rainfall, including Gulistan-e-Jauhar with 13 millimeters, Kemari 12 millimeters, Airport Old Area 9 millimeters, Sharea Faisal 9 millimeters, Saddar Town 9 millimeters, and Jinnah Terminal 8 millimeters. These figures underscore the intensity and reach of the storm across Karachi’s vast urban landscape.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab addressed the public via social media, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel until the weather conditions improve. He also highlighted the dangers posed by fallen trees and advised citizens to steer clear of Club Road near Karachi Gymkhana, which was particularly affected. His timely warnings aimed to prevent further accidents and ensure public safety during the ongoing adverse weather.
The PMD had forecasted the storm earlier in the day, predicting rain and thunderstorms accompanied by strong winds and isolated hailstorms across Karachi and other parts of Sindh for Wednesday and Thursday. This weather system is linked to a westerly wave moving into the western regions of the country. The department also warned of lightning strikes in isolated areas and advised farmers to take necessary precautions to protect their crops from the unpredictable weather.
Beyond Karachi, the PMD indicated that several districts including Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Matiari, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Nosheroferoz, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Dadu would experience moderate to heavy showers with strong winds and hail. Additionally, rain and thunderstorms were expected in Larkana, Qambar Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Ghotki, and Sukkur, albeit with occasional breaks. The widespread nature of this weather event highlights the challenges faced by Sindh’s administration in managing emergency responses across multiple districts simultaneously.
