Deadly night across Karachi with 15 killed as rain, collapsing walls and strong winds wreak havoc

KARACHI: At least 15 people were killed in separate rain-related incidents across Karachi on Wednesday night after heavy showers and strong winds lashed large parts of the city, triggering wall collapses, falling trees and widespread disruption.

The highest death toll was reported from Saeedabad, where 12 people lost their lives when a wall of a telephone exchange building came crashing down. Police said the victims had been sitting near the structure when strong winds caused it to collapse.

In Landhi, a husband and wife were killed after a wall of their house gave way during the storm. In another incident in Korangi, a man died when a tree fell on him amid the gusty weather.

The string of fatalities underscored the dangers posed by Karachi’s fragile infrastructure during sudden bouts of extreme weather, especially in densely populated neighbourhoods where people are often exposed to collapsing structures and debris.

Rain pounds multiple neighbourhoods

Heavy rainfall was reported from several parts of Karachi, including Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Gulzar-i-Hijri, North Karachi, Surjani Town, North Nazimabad, Saddar, Tower, Sharea Faisal, II Chundrigar Road, Federal B Area, Hassan Square, Manghopir, SITE, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Defence and Clifton.

According to rainfall data, Korangi received the heaviest downpour, recording 55.6mm of rain. Other localities also saw substantial rainfall, including Maripur, DHA Phase II, Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Kemari, the old airport area, Sharea Faisal, Saddar Town and Jinnah Terminal.

The intense weather caused traffic disruptions and created dangerous conditions on roads, with strong winds toppling trees and adding to the chaos in different parts of the city.

Authorities issue alerts

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the city was experiencing heavy rain accompanied by strong winds and urged citizens to avoid unnecessary movement until conditions improved. He later said several trees had fallen due to the gusts and announced the closure of Club Road near Karachi Gymkhana for traffic.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah also directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert. He instructed municipal bodies and district authorities to move into the field immediately and prioritise drainage from major roads and low-lying areas.

He further ordered the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation to ensure machinery and generators at pumping stations remained functional to prevent water accumulation. Traffic police were also directed to deploy additional personnel to keep traffic flowing.

The chief minister warned that negligence or delays in drainage and relief operations would not be tolerated and instructed authorities to clear choking points in drains and keep underpasses functional with pumps working round the clock.

More rain expected

The Pakistan Meteorological Department had earlier warned that a westerly weather system was affecting much of the country and could bring rain, thunderstorms and isolated heavy falls to Karachi and other parts of Sindh.

For Karachi, the forecast indicated more rain and wind-thunderstorm activity through Thursday, raising concerns that already difficult conditions could persist. Elsewhere in Sindh, several districts were also placed under alert for rain, strong winds, isolated hailstorms and possible lightning strikes.