KARACHI: Heavy rains accompanied by ferocious winds wreaked widespread havoc across Karachi on Wednesday , claiming at least 18 lives and leaving dozens injured in a series of devastating incidents involving collapsing walls, falling trees, and lightning strikes.
The metropolis was battered by the severe weather system, which brought with it wind speeds recorded at a staggering 97 kilometers per hour in Maripur and 90 kilometers per hour on Shahra-e-Faisal. The strong winds turned the city chaotic, causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure.
The highest toll came from structural collapses. In a tragic incident in Baldia’s Medina Colony, seven people lost their lives when a wall collapsed. According to SSP Keamari, the roof of a second floor fell onto the first floor of what officials described as a non-residential building, sparking fears that more people may still be trapped. Rescue and search operations continued for an extended period at the site.
Other tragic incidents were reported across the city. In Quaid-e-Majeed Colony, a husband, wife, and their daughter were injured when a wall collapsed. One person died due to lightning near the Shah Latif Morghi Khana stop. In Surjani Town, the roof of an under-construction building collapsed, leaving one person injured, while another roof collapse was reported in Machhar Colony. Three more people were injured when the wall of a house fell in Quaidabad Majeed Colony.
The city’s power supply was dealt a severe blow as over 800 feeders of K-Electric tripped due to the weather, plunging vast swathes of the city into darkness. Areas including North Karachi, North Nazimabad, Surjani Town, FB Area, Saddar, Clifton, Cantt, Railway Colony, Delhi Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulshan-e-Jamal, and Garden experienced both heavy rain and subsequent power outages. The power suspension also extended to Moinabad, Alamgir Society, Shadman Town, and parts of Defense Phase II, Akhtar Colony, and Kashmir Colony.
In response to the unfolding crisis, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered the administration to remain on high alert. He directed all local bodies and District Municipal Corporations (DMCs) to immediately move into the field, emphasizing that no negligence would be tolerated in relief activities. He specifically ordered that drainage work from important highways and low-lying areas be carried out on a priority basis.
