Karachi Storm Death Toll Rises to 19; More Rain Forecast
News Desk
Karachi: Karachi is under alert for further heavy rainfall following a devastating thunderstorm that claimed at least 19 lives on Wednesday night. Gale-force winds and intense downpours caused widespread destruction, including collapsed walls and roofs, uprooted trees, and disrupted power lines.
Late Wednesday, heavy rain and thunderstorms struck multiple parts of the city, with Korangi recording the highest rainfall at 55.6mm.
The storm left residents reeling from loss of life and property damage, while intermittent showers continued into Thursday morning across areas such as North Karachi, North Nazimabad, Federal B Area, and adjoining localities.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned that clouds over the sea may bring one to two additional spells of heavy rain today, with rainfall potentially exceeding 50mm. Thunderstorms and strong winds are expected, though wind speeds are predicted to be lower than Wednesday night, when gusts reached 90 km/h on Sharea Faisal and 97 km/h in Mauripur.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/police-rangers-on-high-alert-as-heavy-rains-lash-karachi/
Rescue operations continued overnight in Baldia Town’s Mawachh Goth, where 13 bodies were recovered from the rubble of a collapsed building, with more victims feared trapped.
Other fatalities included two people in Landhi’s Majeed Colony, one person struck by lightning near Yaru Goth, a woman killed in Korangi Sector 3½ due to a roof collapse, and a man killed by a falling tree in Korangi No 5. At least seven others sustained injuries in rain-related incidents citywide.
Authorities, including Mayor Murtaza Wahab, have urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel as strong gusts continue to bring down trees and power lines. K-Electric reported that power has been restored to most areas, with about 260 feeders still affected.
The PMD further cautioned that today’s weather system is expected to bring rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and isolated hailstorms to other parts of Sindh, including Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparkar, and Karachi Division. Isolated lightning strikes are also possible, with farmers advised to take precautions to protect crops.
Looking ahead, another westerly weather system is forecast to affect Karachi and surrounding areas from March 24 to 27, potentially bringing additional rainfall and strong winds to the region. Additional input from Geo News website.
