Karachi was battered by intense rainfall combined with powerful winds, resulting in tragic loss of life and numerous injuries across multiple neighborhoods. The death toll has risen to 19, with over 60 individuals sustaining injuries in various incidents triggered by the severe weather conditions. The storm affected a wide swath of the city, including key areas such as North Nazimabad, North Karachi, Surjani Town, the Federal B Area, Saddar, and Clifton, where the impact was particularly harsh.
Alongside these neighborhoods, the Cantt area, Railway Colony, Delhi Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulshan-e-Jamal, and Garden also experienced heavy downpours accompanied by gusty winds and thunderstorms. As the rain began to fall, power outages quickly spread throughout the city, disrupting electricity supply in several localities. Areas such as Moinabad, Alamgir Society, Shadman Town 14A, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Defense Phases I and II, Akhtar Colony, Kashmir Colony, and North Karachi were among those left without electricity, compounding the difficulties faced by residents during the storm.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department recorded wind speeds reaching up to 97 kilometers per hour in Maripur and 90 kilometers per hour near Shahrah-e-Faisal, highlighting the severity of the storm. These strong winds caused numerous trees to uproot and fall, severely obstructing traffic flow and endangering public safety. In one alarming incident, a large tree collapsed near the Clifton Driving License Branch, trapping two people beneath it. Additionally, a billboard was blown down on Tipu Sultan Road in Muhammad Ali Society, adding to the chaos on the streets.
One of the deadliest events occurred in Baldia Moach Goth, where a wall collapsed, claiming the lives of 13 people and injuring three others. Rescue teams rushed to the scene to retrieve the bodies and assist the wounded, while police and emergency responders worked tirelessly to search for anyone who might still be trapped under the rubble. Senior Superintendent of Police Kemari explained that the collapse involved the roof of a second floor falling onto the first floor of a non-residential building. Authorities fear that more casualties could emerge as search efforts continue.
Initial reports suggest that those inside the collapsed structure were drug addicts who had gathered there to seek shelter from the rain. The incident drew immediate attention from the highest levels of provincial government. Sindh Chief Minister took swift notice of the tragedy and ordered district officials and rescue agencies to act promptly. Sindh’s Interior Minister Zia Lanjar and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab personally visited Moach Goth to oversee rescue operations and ensure that medical care was provided to the injured without delay.
In other parts of Karachi, the storm also caused fatal accidents. A wall collapse in Quaidabad Majeed Colony resulted in the deaths of a man and a woman, with one person injured. Near Malirandi Yaro Goth, a person was struck and killed by lightning. In Korangi, a woman lost her life when the roof of her house caved in, and another fatality occurred when a tree fell in Korangi 5. These incidents underscore the widespread devastation caused by the storm across the city.
Looking ahead, the Meteorological Department has indicated that no further rain is expected overnight, but there remains a chance of showers later in the afternoon. Residents are advised to prepare for the possibility of additional heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds and thunderstorms in some areas. There is also a potential for hail in certain parts of the city. Light rain may occur on the first day of Eid, while westerly winds from March 24 to 27 could bring more rain to Sindh, including Karachi.
As Karachi recovers from this deadly weather event, authorities continue to monitor conditions closely and urge citizens to remain vigilant. The recent storm has not only caused tragic loss of life but also highlighted the urgent need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness to better withstand such natural calamities in the future.
