Sudden Heavy Rain Kills Dozens in Karachi

At least 19 people have died in rain-related incidents across Karachi after heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds struck the city on Wednesday night.

The worst incident occurred in Mawachh Goth in Baldia Town, where a building collapsed during the storm. Rescue teams have so far recovered 13 bodies from the rubble, while search operations continue for people believed to be trapped beneath the debris.

Murad Ali Shah, the Chief Minister of Sindh, took notice of the incident and directed authorities to speed up rescue efforts using all available resources.

A rescue spokesperson said initial reports suggested that several victims had gathered inside the structure to take shelter from the rain. Most of the deceased were believed to be drug addicts.

Officials Visit Site

Zia Lanjar, Sindh’s home minister, and Murtaza Wahab, the mayor of Karachi, visited the affected site to review rescue operations. Officials instructed teams to take all possible measures to recover survivors and ensure medical treatment for the injured.

Karachi is currently receiving major rainfall with strong wind. Would request people to avoid unnecessary movement until the situation settles. Will keep everyone posted 🙏

— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) March 18, 2026

Other Rain-Related Incidents

Several other fatal incidents were reported across the city:

• Two people, including a woman, died after a wall collapsed in Majeed Colony in Landhi.
• A man was killed by lightning near Yaru Goth in the Malir River.
• A woman died when the roof of her house collapsed in Korangi Sector 3½.
• Another man lost his life after a tree fell on him in Korangi No. 5.
• Rescue authorities said at least seven people were injured in various incidents.

Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

Rainfall was recorded in many parts of the city, including Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, North Karachi, Surjani Town, Saddar, Sharea Faisal, Liaquatabad, Defence, and Clifton.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, strong winds accompanied the rain, reaching 97 km/h in Mauripur and 90 km/h on Sharea Faisal.

Korangi recorded the highest rainfall at 55.6mm, followed by Mauripur (22mm) and DHA Phase II (15mm).

Number of trees have fallen due to heavy gusts of wind. Plz avoid using the club road in front of Karachi Gymkhana which is currently closed for traffic

— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) March 18, 2026

Weather Forecast

The weather department has predicted more rain and thunderstorms with strong winds and possible hailstorms in Karachi and other districts of Sindh as a westerly weather system moves into the region.

Authorities have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and remain cautious during the ongoing weather conditions.