At least 19 people have died in Karachi after heavy showers, thunderstorms and strong winds swept the city, officials say. Deaths were caused by collapsing roofs and walls, electrocution, and falling trees and signboards during the stormy conditions late Wednesday.
SSP Korangi Sanghar Malik said 12 people were killed when the roof and a wall of a telephone exchange gave way in Mochko Goth, Saeedabad, while they were sitting beneath it having tea. Rescue teams were working through the rubble and warned there could be more survivors or bodies still trapped.
Most of the incidents happened in low-lying, lower-income neighbourhoods. Deputy Inspector General of Police South Asad Raza said other victims included a couple in Korangi whose house roof collapsed and two people in Malir who were struck by lightning. Casualties were also reported in Majeed Colony in Landhi, and in Clifton rescuers recovered the body of a woman from under a fallen tree trunk.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab urged residents to stay at home and avoid unnecessary travel on Thursday as authorities respond to the destruction and clear debris.
Geo TV reported that dozens of electrical feeders tripped during the downpour, leaving many parts of the city without power.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecast more rain and strong winds for Thursday and said showers are likely across other parts of Sindh over the next two days. The Met Office warned of rain and thunderstorms with strong winds, isolated hail, and a few moderate to isolated heavy falls in districts including Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Matiari, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allah Yar, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad and Dadu.
Emergency services continue rescue and restoration work, and officials have advised people to take precautions and follow local guidance as recovery efforts proceed.
