A severe windstorm and heavy downpour have resulted in the deaths of 19 individuals and left 16 others injured in Karachi. The tragedy unfolded on the night of March 18, prompting a large-scale emergency response from the city”s administration.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reviewed the city-wide response, directing all relevant departments to continue relief efforts until complete normalcy is restored.
During a briefing at the CM House, officials including Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi and DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah detailed the rescue and clearance activities undertaken following the storm, which lasted from 7 pm to midnight.
The commissioner”s report indicated precipitation levels varied between 2 mm and 25 mm across the metropolis. The violent weather caused numerous incidents, including uprooted trees, fallen signboards, and structural damage.
The chief minister was informed that the highest number of fatalities occurred in Baldia, located in the Keamari district, where 13 people tragically lost their lives.
In the storm”s immediate aftermath, municipal teams, district administrations, and emergency services initiated comprehensive rescue and clearance operations. Major thoroughfares were cleared of obstructions, successfully restoring traffic flow with no significant waterlogging reported.
Mr Shah praised the prompt and effective joint action of various bodies, including the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, TMCs, Traffic Police, and K-Electric. He stated their coordinated response was crucial for restoring transit and providing timely assistance to the public.
Recovery teams worked diligently to clear several key arteries. A collapsed wall and a large tree were removed from Club Road, while another uprooted tree blocking both lanes on Housing Crossing was cleared. On Rashid Minhas Road, hazardous tilted electricity poles were secured, and a major blockage near the U.S. Consulate on MT Khan Road was also swiftly removed.
Similar clearance operations were conducted on Shahrah-e-Faisal, Court Road, the National Highway, and Sohrab Goth to reopen vital traffic routes.
Officials confirmed that drainage and restoration work continued throughout the night. DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah reported that while most main roads were reopened swiftly, minor debris might still be present in some locations due to the storm”s intensity.
Chief Minister Shah reiterated his directive for all departments to remain active in the field until the relief operation concludes, emphasising that the government stands with its citizens. He also underscored the importance of future preparedness for such extreme weather phenomena.