19 Dead as 90km/h Storm Ravages Karachi

As of Thursday, March 19, 2026, Karachi remains in a state of high alert. While the initial “Pre-Eid” storm has passed, the Meteorological Department warns that a second, more powerful weather system is expected to enter the city on Friday and Saturday, potentially disrupting Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.

Breakdown of Fatalities and Injuries

The storm’s intensity led to several tragic accidents across the metropolitan area:

• Baldia Town (Moach Goth): The deadliest incident occurred when a wall and roof collapsed on a group of people seeking shelter from the rain. 11 deaths were confirmed here; officials noted many were marginalized individuals and drug addicts.
• Lightning Strike: 35-year-old Hazrat Omar was killed by lightning in Yaro Goth, Malir.
• Tree Falls: A 35-year-old woman died in Clifton Neelum Colony, and another citizen was killed in Korangi due to falling trees.
• Child Casualty: A 4-year-old girl lost her life when a wall collapsed near Kamran Chowrangi, Gulistan-e-Jauhar.

Wind Speeds and Power Outages

The Meteorological Department recorded “hurricane-force” gusts that decimated the city’s aging infrastructure:

• Max Wind Speeds: 90 km/h at Shahra-e-Faisal and a peak of 97 km/h in Mauripur.
• K-Electric Crisis: 645 feeders were affected. While teams are working to restore power, many areas in Landhi, Korangi, and Orangi reported 24+ hours of darkness.
• Safety Warning: K-Electric has urged citizens to maintain a safe distance from downed wires, TV cables, and water motors during the ongoing wet spell.

Government Response & Eid Holiday Cancellations

Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah has taken drastic measures to manage the aftermath:

• Holiday Cancellation: All municipal, fire brigade, and rescue staff must report for duty; Eid leaves have been officially revoked.
• Drainage Operations: Heavy machinery has been deployed to Saddar, Clifton, and various markets to ensure that citizens out for Eid shopping are not stranded.
• Helpline: Citizens are encouraged to report emergencies to the 1339 helpline (Fire Brigade) or 1122 (Rescue).

Safety Guide for Citizens

1. Avoid Billboards: Do not stand near large signboards or old trees during high winds.
2. Electrical Safety: Do not touch electric poles or use water pumps while standing in rainwater.
3. Basement Flooding: Residents in low-lying areas (like DHA Phase 6/4) should move valuable items and vehicles to higher ground before the Friday system arrives.
4. Reporting Overcharging: Use the Pak App to report any petrol pumps or essential stores taking advantage of the weather to hike prices.

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