A powerful storm accompanied by heavy rain struck Karachi, resulting in at least 19 deaths and around 60 injuries across different parts of the city.
The severe weather affected multiple areas including North Nazimabad, North Karachi, Surjani Town, FB Area, Saddar, and Clifton. Other localities such as Cantt, Railway Colony, Delhi Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulshan Jamal, and Garden also experienced strong winds and rainfall. Thunder and lightning continued throughout the storm, while power outages were reported in many parts of the city as soon as the rain began.
Electricity supply was disrupted in areas like Moinabad Alamgir Society, Shadman Town 14-A, parts of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Defence Phases 1 and 2, Akhtar Colony, Kashmir Colony, and several sectors of North Karachi.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, wind speeds reached 90 km/h on Shahrah-e-Faisal and up to 97 km/h in Mauripur, indicating the intensity of the storm.
Falling trees and collapsing structures caused widespread damage and disrupted traffic. Near the Clifton Driving License Branch, a tree fell trapping two people, while a billboard collapsed on Tipu Sultan Road in Mohammad Ali Society.
The most tragic incident occurred in Baldia’s Moach Goth area, where a wall collapse led to the deaths of 13 people and injuries to three others. Rescue teams transported the victims to hospitals and continued search operations amid fears that more individuals could be trapped under the rubble. Officials stated that the structure was not a residential building, and initial reports suggested the victims had gathered there to seek shelter from the rain.
Additional fatalities were reported in other incidents:
- In Quaidabad’s Majeed Colony, a man and a woman died after a house wall collapsed.
- Near Malir’s Yaro Goth, one person was killed by lightning.
- In Korangi (3½ area), a woman died after a roof collapse.
- In Korangi No. 5, one person died when a tree fell.
Authorities, including Sindh’s Chief Minister, took notice of the Moach Goth tragedy and directed immediate rescue and relief efforts. Zia Lanjar and Murtaza Wahab visited the site and instructed teams to expedite rescue operations and provide medical care to the injured.
The weather department has stated that no further rain is expected tonight; however, more rain is likely after noon today, possibly accompanied by strong winds, thunder, and even hail in some areas. Light rain is also المتوقع on the first day of Eid, while another system between March 24 and 27 may bring additional rainfall to Karachi and other parts of Sindh.
