Karachi is reeling after a powerful storm brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds, leaving at least 19 people dead and several others injured, with authorities warning of more severe weather ahead.
The storm struck the city late Wednesday night, affecting multiple areas including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Gulzar-e-Hijri, North Karachi, Surjani Town, and North Nazimabad. Rain was also reported in Saddar, Sharea Faisal, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Liaquatabad, Defence, Clifton, and Malir, among other localities.
Strong winds, reaching up to 90 kilometres per hour on Sharea Faisal and 97 kilometres per hour in Mauripur, caused widespread damage. Walls and roofs collapsed in several neighborhoods, leading to multiple casualties. In Baldia Town alone, a wall collapse claimed 11 lives. Additional incidents in Landhi, Korangi, and Malir further increased the death toll, including fatalities caused by lightning strikes and falling trees.
Rescue officials reported that at least seven people were injured in rain-related incidents across the city. Infrastructure damage, including fallen billboards and uprooted trees, has also been recorded.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Korangi received the highest rainfall at 55.6mm, followed by Mauripur with 22mm and DHA Phase-II with 15mm. Other areas, including Gulistan-e-Jauhar, Kemari, and Saddar, experienced lighter rainfall.
Rain continued into Thursday morning, with intermittent showers reported in several parts of the city, including North Karachi, North Nazimabad, and Federal B Area.
The PMD has warned that weather conditions are expected to persist, as cloud systems over the sea may move toward Karachi, bringing one to two additional spells of heavy rain. Rainfall of up to 50mm or more is expected in some areas, accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds, although wind speeds may be lower than those recorded during the initial storm.
Authorities have urged residents to remain cautious as emergency services continue to respond to the situation and further rainfall is anticipated.
