KARACHI — A powerful storm bringing heavy rain and winds of up to 90 km/h tore through Pakistan’s largest city, Karachi, leaving at least 15 people dead and dozens injured, according to emergency and hospital officials. Most fatalities were linked to structural failures, with walls and roofs collapsing in multiple neighbourhoods, rescuers said. The deadliest incident was reported in Baldia Town, where rescuers recovered 13 bodies from a collapsed structure in the Mawachh (Moachh) Goth area. Emergency teams continued operations on March 19 to search for additional victims feared trapped under rubble, local reports said.
Across the city, rescue services and police reported numerous incidents, including injuries caused by falling trees, collapsing signboards and weakened boundary walls. Hospitals treated more than two dozen injured people, according to the Associated Press.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned that more adverse weather could hit Sindh in the coming days, including thunderstorms and isolated hail, as a westerly weather system moves through the region. Authorities urged residents to remain cautious, stay indoors where possible and avoid unnecessary travel while debris is cleared from roads. Power outages and traffic disruptions persisted in parts of Karachi on Thursday, with emergency responders working to restore access on key routes affected by fallen trees and storm damage.
