Karachi faces widespread power outages as heavy rain, strong winds hit multiple areas

PMD reports wind speeds reach dangerous peak of 97 kilometers per hour

KARACHI:

Widespread power outages have been reported as heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds swept across Karachi on Wednesday, prompting emergency services and municipal authorities to remain on high alert.

Areas impacted include Korangi, Landhi, Shah Faisal Colony, Malir, old city areas, PIB Colony, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Mahmoodabad, Manzoor Colony, Surjani Town, Liaquatabad, Gulistan-e-Jauhar, and Gulshan-e-Maymar.

Meanwhile, multiple areas reported intense downpours, gusty winds, and worsening conditions due to dust storms, according to official statements from the Sindh government and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

The PMD also reported that wind speeds reached a dangerous peak of 97 kilometers per hour, while intense rainfall and thunderstorm activity affected both suburban and urban areas.

The rain initially began in the city’s outskirts and gradually spread to other neighborhoods, including old city areas, North Nazimabad, Surjani Town, North Karachi, Clifton, Nazimabad, Cantt, Railway Colony, Delhi Colony, Scheme 33, Shaheed Millat Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi Airport, Model Colony, Malir, Gulzar Hajri, and Gulshan-e-Maymar.

The storm caused extensive damage in several localities. Strong winds led to fallen trees, damaged signboards, and broken windows in residential buildings. Roofs were reportedly blown off in suburban homes, while solar panels and other structures were also affected.

The heavy rain and gusty winds disrupted Eid shopping activities, leaving many citizens—including women and children—stranded in markets, shopping centers, and streets. People were seen rushing to safe areas as the storm intensified, and some had to abandon their purchases to escape the hazardous conditions.

In Clifton, near the Driving License Branch, two individuals were trapped after a tree fell during the storm. Rescue 1122 personnel promptly arrived with urban search and rescue teams, disaster response vehicles, and ambulances to assist the victims.

The storm also caused waterlogging on major roads, severely affecting traffic flow across the city. Reports of flying debris and damaged property added to the panic among residents, while private transport operators reportedly charged inflated fares amid the chaos.

The PMD said the ongoing weather system is bringing thunderstorm activity, with isolated areas likely to experience heavy rainfall and hail. It also issued a public advisory, warning that strong winds and heavy rain may disrupt routine activities in affected areas, urging residents to exercise caution until the weather system moves out of the city.

Advisor to the Chief Minister on Rehabilitation Gyan Chand Essrani said that Rescue 1122 teams have been mobilised and placed on high alert under his directives. He noted that rescue personnel are in constant coordination with district administrations and are actively present in the field, responding promptly to rain-related incidents across the city.

He urged citizens to exercise caution during the ongoing spell, advising them to avoid electricity poles, broken wires, and submerged electrical appliances to prevent electrocution.

Residents were also asked to drive carefully, avoid unnecessary travel, refrain from using waterlogged routes, ensure proper drainage in homes, and stay away from rooftops or weak structures. In case of emergencies, the public was instructed to immediately contact Rescue 1122.

 

Screengrab of Google Maps as of 10:32pm in Karachi.

In view of heavy rainfall in Karachi, the city police have been placed on high alert, according to a statement from the additional IG Karachi.

Under the directives of Additional IG Azad Khan, additional police personnel have been deployed across the city, particularly in low-lying areas and on major roads, to provide timely assistance to citizens.

Traffic police have been mobilised to ensure smooth flow, while police patrol vehicles remain on duty to respond to any emergency situation.

Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel, take precautionary measures, and immediately report any emergency by contacting helpline 15, the spokesperson added.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed all administrative bodies, municipal authorities, and District Municipal Corporations (DMCs) to remain on high alert and prioritise drainage operations on major roads and low-lying areas.

He instructed the Water and Sewerage Corporation to keep all pumping stations, machinery, and generators fully operational, and deployed additional traffic police to maintain smooth flow during the rains.

The chief minister further directed the district administrations and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority to stay prepared for any emergency, warned of strict action against officials showing negligence in drainage work, and instructed the health department to ensure emergency medical staff and medicines are available at all government hospitals. Relief teams were also ordered to assist citizens stranded in low-lying areas.

Shah emphasised that sanitation agencies prevent garbage from blocking drains, underpasses must have operational pumps, and all complaints related to rain and drainage—especially on social media—should be addressed promptly. He stressed that no negligence in relief and emergency operations would be tolerated as the storm system continues to affect Karachi.

Moreover, emergency response teams have been activated across the city under the directives of Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan confirmed.

According to Khan, all fire stations in the city have been placed on high alert, and seven focal persons have been assigned specifically for emergency response duties. He also urged citizens to report any emergency during the rains through the helpline 1339.

He further stated that a central control room has been established at the KMC building to coordinate emergency operations. The focal persons assigned for emergency duties will remain in constant contact with the control room, ensuring 24-hour monitoring and rapid response, he added.

Khan said that all emergency response teams are operating under the supervision of the Karachi commissioner, coordinating efforts to provide timely assistance across affected areas.