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.
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.
Several other fatal incidents were reported across the city:
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).
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.
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