KARACHI: At least 21 people were killed across Karachi in the Yesterday’s powerful winds and heavy rain that triggered multiple structural collapses, police and rescue officials said.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported wind speeds of up to 97 km/h in parts of the city, warning of continued unstable weather conditions.
Rescue teams remained on the ground, clearing debris and searching for possible survivors. “The total number of fatalities in rain-related incidents has reached 21,” Rescue 1122 said in a statement.
The deadliest incident occurred in Moach Goth, a low-income area of Baldia Town, where 13 people were killed when a wall collapsed.
“The victims were standing beside the wall to shield themselves from the rain,” said Keamari Deputy Commissioner Amir Afzal Owaisi. “The structure gave way due to the heavy storm.”
He said rescue operations were slowed by difficult access to the area due to poor road conditions. “We are still removing debris, and there is a possibility more people could be trapped,” he added. All victims were local residents.
Elsewhere in the city, several fatal incidents were reported. In Korangi No. 3, a woman identified as Sheeta died when the roof of her house collapsed. In Memon Goth, a man named Hazrat was electrocuted.
A four-year-old girl was killed in Gulistan-e-Jauhar after a wall fell at her home, while another woman died in Neelam Colony when a tree crashed onto her house.
Another child, four-year-old Zeenat, died in a separate roof collapse, Rescue 1122 said.
In Landhi’s Kala Pani area, a man and his wife were killed when their house roof caved in. The victims were identified as 48-year-old Sher Ali and his 45-year-old wife, Riyasat.
In Korangi No. 5, a man in his 30s died after a tree fell near Tasleem Ground. In Bhains Colony, a young girl also lost her life in a roof collapse, according to police.
Authorities have urged residents to take precautions as severe weather persists.
