At least 19 people have been killed in various rain-related incidents in Karachi after the city was hit by heavy showers, thunderstorms and strong winds.
Casualties on Wednesday night resulted from collapsing roofs and walls, electrocution, and falling trees and signboards caused by the stormy conditions.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast rainier weather and strong winds for Thursday.
SSP Korangi Sanghar Malik said 12 people were killed when the roof and wall of a telephone exchange collapsed on them while they were sitting underneath it having tea. “The heavy winds, thunderstorms and rains caused the collapse in Mochko Goth in Saeedabad area,” he said. Rescue teams were still clearing rubble and there could be more survivors or bodies underneath.
Most incidents occurred in low-lying and lower-income areas of the city. Deputy Inspector General of Police South Asad Raza said other casualties included a couple in Korangi who died when their house roof collapsed, and two people in Malir who were struck by lightning. Casualties were also reported from Majeed Colony in Landhi, and in Clifton the body of a woman was recovered from under a fallen tree trunk.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab advised residents to remain at home and avoid unnecessary travel on Thursday.
Geo TV reported that dozens of feeders tripped due to the heavy rain, leaving many areas without power.
The Met Office also predicted showers in other parts of Sindh over the next two days. “Rain and thunderstorms with strong winds and isolated hailstorm with few moderate to isolated heavy falls was forecast in Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Matiari, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allah Yar, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad and Dadu districts,” it said in a statement.
