KARACHI: At least four people lost their lives on Thursday after heavy rain swept across Karachi, prompting city authorities to declare a rain emergency and mobilise rescue teams.
According to police and rescue officials, the deaths occurred in separate incidents. Three people were killed by electrocution, while one person died after being trapped under debris from a partially collapsed building.
Site Superhighway Industrial Area SHO Mohammed Nawaz said that a 40-year-old man, Shahabuddin, died of electric shock while attempting to repair an electrical fault in Ahsanabad. Initial reports suggest that he was an employee of K-Electric.
In another tragic incident, Surjani Police SHO Sohail Khaskheli confirmed that seven-year-old Dua Batool Sarfraz was electrocuted inside her home in Sector 7-A.
Meanwhile, the Edhi Foundation reported that 23-year-old Sartaj died after suffering an electric shock inside his house in Hasan Brohi Goth near Bashir Chowk.
Separately, Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaanul Haseeb Khan said that continuous rainfall weakened the structure of a three-storey building near Bismillah Hotel in Pak Colony. A wall on the second floor collapsed, trapping a passerby beneath the rubble. Rescue teams shifted the victim to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Torrential Rain Hits Multiple Areas
Several parts of Karachi experienced light showers in the morning, followed by heavy downpours shortly after 2pm.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) also reported a hailstorm in the Mauripur area.
In response, K-Electric said that electricity supply may be temporarily suspended in certain areas as a precautionary measure and would be restored once weather conditions improve and field teams clear the affected zones.
Citizens were advised to stay away from exposed wires, damaged electricity installations, and cable lines.
Traffic Severely Affected
Heavy rain caused widespread traffic disruption and waterlogging on major roads across the city.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab stated that all underpasses remained open for traffic and that stormwater drains had largely functioned effectively.
“Water had accumulated at various points, however the water level has significantly come down. Please avoid unnecessary movement,” he said in a post on X.
According to the Karachi Traffic Police, several roads remained waterlogged, leading to severe congestion.
Main Sharea Faisal, from Nursery to Baloch Colony, was closed, with traffic diverted through Allah Wali Chowrangi.
Slow-moving traffic was also reported on:
- Agha Khan Road
- Jinnah Avenue
- Korangi Industrial Area
- Boat Basin to Submarine Underpass
- Airport route on Sharea Faisal
Authorities issued multiple alternate routes for commuters travelling toward the airport, FTC, Karsaz, Malir, Johar, and University Road.
Motorists were urged to drive carefully and follow traffic police instructions.
First Spell of Rainfall Recorded
Earlier in the day, rainfall was recorded in several areas including:
- Quaidabad
- Malir
- PAF Faisal Base
- Jinnah Terminal
- Gulistan-i-Jauhar
- Clifton
- Saddar
- Garden
- Keamari
According to PMD figures released by 11am, Bahria Town received the highest rainfall at 20.5mm.
Other recorded rainfall included:
- Surjani Town: 12.6mm
- University Road: 8.2mm
- Gulshan-i-Maymar: 7.2mm
- Jinnah Terminal: 6.2mm
- Keamari: 6mm
- DHA Phase II: 5mm
Weather radar imagery also showed intense rain over the northern parts of the city along with isolated hail.
Emergency Declared Across Karachi
In view of the worsening weather conditions, the city administration officially declared a rain emergency.
Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi said all relevant departments had been activated, while rescue and drainage operations were underway.
Citizens were asked to contact the rescue helpline 1299 in case of any complaints or emergency assistance.
Staff from the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC), Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB), town administrations, and other departments have been deployed across the city.
Help desks and emergency camps have been established in multiple districts, including:
- District East
- District South
- District Central
- District Keamari
Water pumps have also been installed in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Sindh Government Issues Public Advisory
The Sindh government urged residents to remain cautious during the rain spell.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said advance arrangements had already been made, while the leaves of essential staff had been cancelled.
Additional de-watering pumps have been installed in vulnerable areas, and staff have been deployed at key drainage chokepoints.
Meanwhile, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) established rain emergency centres across Karachi and other major cities, which will remain operational until April 8.
Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah directed officials to closely monitor dilapidated and under-construction buildings.
Residents were advised to vacate unsafe structures and avoid standing near old or weak buildings.
Sindh IGP Javed Alam Odho also instructed police control rooms to remain on high alert and maintain coordination with rescue agencies.