At least six people lost their lives and several others were injured after heavy rain and strong winds battered Karachi on Thursday, triggering widespread waterlogging, traffic disruptions and multiple accidents, rescue officials said.
According to rescue sources, five of the deaths were caused by electrocution during the downpour, while one person died after a wall collapsed in a rain-related incident.
The intense rainfall caused severe traffic congestion across the city as roads in many areas were inundated with rainwater, making it difficult for commuters to move through flooded streets.
Electrocution Incidents
Several fatal electrocution incidents were reported in different neighbourhoods of the city. In Surjani’s Hassan Brohi Goth area, a man died after suffering an electric shock inside his home. A similar incident occurred in PIB Colony, claiming another life.
A young girl was electrocuted in Surjani Sector 7-A, while another man died after coming into contact with a live electric source near MA Jinnah Road. In a separate incident in Ahsanabad along Super Highway, a worker also died from electrocution.
Meanwhile, in the Old Golimar area, a wall collapsed onto a rickshaw during the rainstorm, killing the driver instantly.
In Orangi Town, three children were injured when a house wall collapsed amid the heavy rainfall. Rescue teams rushed to the scene and shifted the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Rainfall Recorded Across the City
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, several areas of Karachi received significant rainfall during the storm.
Nazimabad’s Paposh Nagar recorded the highest rainfall at 69.6mm, followed by Kemari with 56mm and Saadi Town with 48mm.
The Met Complex on University Road received 44.2mm of rainfall, while Bahria Town recorded 43.5mm. Orangi Town received 39.4mm, and Gulshan-e-Maymar registered 36mm.
Other areas including Surjani Town and Jinnah Terminal recorded 35mm of rainfall each, while DHA Phase II received 33mm. The Old Airport area recorded 32.6mm, PAF Faisal Base 30.4mm, Masroor Base 29mm, Korangi 18.2mm, and Gulshan-e-Hadeed 17mm.
Authorities Activate Emergency Response
Following the heavy rainfall, city authorities activated control rooms to manage the situation. The Karachi commissioner directed all deputy commissioners to remain on alert and respond swiftly to emergencies.
Residents were advised to contact the rescue helpline 1299 for complaints or assistance.
Senior Sindh Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said additional de-watering pumps had been installed to ensure quick drainage of rainwater from low-lying areas. He added that potential traffic congestion points across the city had already been identified and staff had been deployed to monitor them.
The minister urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and immediately report emergencies to the relevant authorities, assuring that all available resources were being mobilised to address the situation.
K-Electric Issues Safety Advisory
Meanwhile, K-Electric urged residents to exercise caution during the rain. A company spokesperson said the power utility was closely monitoring the situation and had placed field teams on high alert.
Residents were advised to avoid using electrical appliances in standing water and maintain a safe distance from power installations, damaged cables and exposed wires.
The spokesperson warned that illegal electricity connections and tampering with sockets could lead to serious accidents.
In case of electricity-related emergencies, citizens can contact the K-Electric helpline at 118 or seek assistance through the utility’s mobile app, WhatsApp service and social media platforms.
K-Electric also noted that power supply might be temporarily suspended in certain areas for safety reasons during heavy rain but would be restored once conditions improved and technical teams cleared the installations.