KARACHI (MNN); At least 20 people lost their lives and eight others were injured after a powerful thunderstorm struck Karachi on Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction through collapsing walls, falling debris, and lightning strikes, police officials confirmed on Thursday.
The intense weather system, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, disrupted normal life across the city. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the storm was triggered by a westerly wave currently affecting most parts of the country.
Additional Inspector General of Police Azad Khan stated that the majority of fatalities occurred due to structural collapses. In Saeedabad alone, 13 people died when a wall caved in, while another two deaths were reported from a similar incident in Quaidabad. In Keamari, two individuals were injured in another wall collapse.
Separate incidents of roof collapses were also reported. In Gulistan-i-Jauhar, one person was killed and three were injured, while in Mominabad, Orangi Town, one person died and two others sustained injuries. Another fatality occurred in Malir’s Sukhan area due to a roof collapse.
In Clifton, one person died and another was injured after being struck by debris carried by strong winds. Additionally, a lightning strike in Shah Latif Town claimed one life, further highlighting the severity of the storm.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab reported that approximately 55 millimetres of rainfall was recorded during the night. Despite the damage, he stated that most parts of the city remained functional, with only underdeveloped areas facing minor disruptions.
“Most roads are clear, and where rainwater has accumulated, instructions have been issued for immediate drainage,” the mayor said, adding that municipal teams were actively working to restore normalcy.
The PMD has forecast more rainfall and thunderstorms for Thursday, warning of continued cloudy conditions with chances of moderate to heavy downpours in isolated areas. Temperatures are expected to range between 24°C and 26°C during the day, with humidity levels reaching up to 82 percent.
Rainfall data showed that Keamari received the highest amount of rain by Thursday morning, followed by Surjani Town. Earlier measurements indicated that Korangi recorded the heaviest downpour on Wednesday night, with over 55mm of rainfall.
Weather conditions are expected to improve on Friday, with mostly sunny skies and slightly higher temperatures. However, cloudy conditions may return on Saturday, which is likely to coincide with Eidul Fitr, bringing a chance of isolated thunderstorms, particularly in the outskirts of the city.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah was briefed on the emergency response measures taken following the storm. Officials informed him about efforts to restore traffic flow and ensure public safety across major roads and highways.
The chief minister reiterated that the government stands with citizens during difficult times and that protecting lives and property remains the top priority. He noted that the unusual weather caused uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure, and dangerously tilted electricity poles across Karachi.
Authorities, including the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, traffic police, and K-Electric, carried out coordinated rescue and relief operations throughout the night. Several roads, including Club Road and Clifton areas, were temporarily blocked due to fallen trees and collapsed structures but were later cleared using heavy machinery.
Officials confirmed that most major routes had been reopened within hours due to swift response efforts, while relief operations continued in affected neighbourhoods.
