At least six people died and three were injured in Karachi as heavy rain and gusty winds caused electrocutions and structural collapses on Thursday.
The metropolis faced severe road congestion as heavy rainfall led to widespread water accumulation across various parts of the port city, and commuters struggled to navigate flooded streets, with traffic moving slowly in different areas.
Five of the deaths were caused by electrocution during the downpour, highlighting persistent safety hazards linked to exposed wiring and water accumulation in various neighbourhoods.
In Surjani's Hassan Brohi Goth, a man died after suffering an electric shock while working inside his home. A similar incident in PIB Colony also proved fatal, while a young girl lost her life due to electrocution in Surjani Sector 7-A.
Another man was electrocuted near MA Jinnah Road, and a separate incident occurred in Ahsanabad along Super Highway, where a worker died after coming into contact with a live electric source.
In Old Golimar area, a wall collapse collapsed onto a rickshaw during the rain, killing the driver on the spot.
Meanwhile, in Orangi Town, three children were injured when a wall of a house collapsed amid the downpour. Rescue teams responded promptly and shifted the injured to a nearby medical facility.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department released area-wise rainfall data highlighting the intensity and spread of the showers.
According to the Met Office, Nazimabad’s Paposh Nagar recorded the highest rainfall at 69.6 millimetres. Kemari followed with 56 millimetres, while Saadi Town received 48mm of rain.
At the Met Complex on University Road, 44.2mm of rainfall was recorded, closely followed by Bahria Town with 43.5mm. Orangi Town registered 39.4mm, and Gulshan-e-Maymar recorded 36mm.
Surjani Town and Jinnah Terminal both received 35mm of rain. DHA Phase II recorded 33mm, while the Old Airport area saw 32.6mm of rainfall.
Further readings showed 30.4mm at PAF Faisal Base and 29mm at Masroor Base. Korangi recorded 18.2mm, while Gulshan-e-Hadeed received 17mm of rainfall.
Authorities have activated control rooms and taken measures to manage the situation, a city spokesperson said.
The Karachi commissioner has alerted all deputy commissioners to respond promptly to any emergencies. Citizens can contact the rescue helpline 1299 for complaints or assistance, the commissioner added.
Senior Minister Sharjeel Memon, in his statement, said that additional de-watering pumps have been installed to ensure the timely drainage of rainwater from low-lying areas, while potential congestion points across the city had already been identified.
According to Memon, staff have been deployed to monitor these congestion points, and further de-watering pumps have been provided to prevent any obstruction in water drainage.
The provincial minister urged residents to take precautionary measures, avoid unnecessary travel, and immediately contact the relevant authorities in case of any emergency.
He added that the protection of citizens is the government’s foremost responsibility, and all available resources are being mobilised to manage any adverse situation effectively.
In view of rainfall across the city and surrounding areas, K-Electric urged residents to take precautionary measures. A company spokesperson said the situation is being continuously monitored, and field staff have been placed on alert.
The spokesperson appealed to residents to exercise caution when using electrical appliances during heavy winds and rain. Unsafe use of electrical devices, such as water pumps in standing water, could lead to accidents.
He further advised maintaining a safe distance from power transmission installations, including damaged TV and internet cables and other broken wires. Obtaining electricity through illegal means or tampering with sockets can also result in fatal incidents.
According to K-Electric, in case of any electricity-related emergency, residents can contact the 118 call centre. Additional support is available through the K-Electric Live app, WhatsApp service, and other social media platforms.
The spokesperson added that, on safety grounds, power supply may be temporarily suspended in certain areas. However, electricity is restored once the rain subsides and field teams provide clearance.
