18 killed as Karachi lashed by heavy rain, strong winds
An uprooted tree is seen in Karachi after heavy downpour and gusty winds sweep the metropolis on March 18, 2026. Photo: Express
At least 18 people were killed as the metropolis was lashed by heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds with widespread power outages, waterlogging and structural damage reported, according to officials.
Most of the casualties were reported in Baldia, where at least eleven people were killed after a building collapsed near Mawach Goth, Edhi spokesperson Amin Edhi confirmed.
Meanwhile, seven more deaths were reported in several rain-related incidents across the city, while over a dozen were injured.
In Korangi near Tasleem Ground, a fallen tree trapped a man. Edhi volunteers reached the scene immediately, but the individual was pronounced dead, the Edhi Foundation said in a statement. His body was transported to Korangi's Sindh Government Hospital, and the deceased, estimated to be around 30 years old, has yet to be identified.
According to Chhipa Foundation spokesperson Chaudhry Shahid, a wall collapse near a house in Landhi’s Majid Colony, close to Baraq Pump, killed a husband and wife, identified as 50-year-old Sher Wali and his wife Riazat Bibi.
In Korangi near Saddo Number Three, the roof of a house collapsed, killing 45-year-old Shita, wife of Sarwar whereas in Malir near Nadi Yaro Goth, a lightning strike claimed the life of 35-year-old Hazrat Umar, son of Atlas Khan.
The spokesperson said a woman was also killed in Clifton after a tree fell near Neelum Colony. Her identity has not been immediately confirmed, and she is estimated to be around 35 years old.
Meanwhile, a young girl was killed when a wall collapsed near Kamran Chowrangi in Gulistan-e-Johar. Her identity has also not been confirmed, and she is reported to be around four years old.
Additionally, in Bhains Colony, the collapse of a compound roof left two people injured.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), wind speeds reached 97 kilometres per hour, while heavy rainfall and thunderstorm activity affected both suburban and urban neighborhoods.
The rain began in the outskirts of the city and spread to 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-e-Hijri, and Gulshan-e-Maymar.
Aga Khan Road in Karachi witnesses fallen trees and damaged vehicles amid heavy rain and strong winds #TOKReports #KarachiRain pic.twitter.com/jt3gpBxQ6T
The storm caused significant damage as roofs were blown off suburban homes, solar panels and signboards fell, windows were shattered, and strong winds uprooted trees in several localities. Intense rainfall also disrupted Eid shopping, leaving many citizens, including women and children, stranded in markets, streets, and shopping centres.
The Meteorological Department reported rainfall across various areas of Karachi, with the heaviest recorded in Korangi at 55.6mm. Airport Old Area recorded 9.0mm, while Jinnah Terminal received 8.0mm. Gulistan-e-Johar saw 13.0mm, and Shahrah-e-Faisal recorded 9.0mm.
Maripur reported 22.0mm of rain, Kemari 12.0mm, Saddi Town 9.0mm, and DHA Phase 2 (PDMA office) also received 15.0mm of rain.
Meanwhle, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Rehabilitation Gyan Chand Essrani confirmed that Rescue 1122 teams were fully mobilized under his directives and placed on high alert. He said personnel were actively coordinating with district administrations and responding promptly to incidents.
A thunderstorm hit Karachi with strong winds, dark clouds, and heavy rain, briefly disrupting daily life, what's the status of your area?#TOKReports #KarachiRain pic.twitter.com/giSxEp8qTN
He urged citizens to avoid electricity poles, broken wires, and submerged electrical appliances, and advised caution while driving, avoiding unnecessary travel, and staying away from weak structures. In emergencies, residents were instructed to contact Rescue 1122 immediately.
A K-Electric spokesperson advised citizens to exercise extreme caution during the storm. Residents were warned against using electrical appliances like water pumps in standing water, touching exposed wires, and relying on illegal electricity connections, which can be life-threatening.
The spokesperson confirmed that K-Electric is actively monitoring the situation and that field staff are on high alert to restore power where outages have occurred.
Screengrab of traffic situation on Google Maps as of 11:12pm in Karachi.
Police on high alert
Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan said police were placed on high alert across the city, especially in low-lying areas and along major roads, to ensure citizen safety and quick response to emergencies.
Traffic police have been deployed to maintain smooth flow, and patrol vehicles are operational to respond to incidents. Citizens were urged to avoid unnecessary travel and report emergencies through helpline 15.
Municipal response and drainage operations
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah directed all administrative bodies, municipal authorities, and District Municipal Corporations to remain on high alert. He instructed the Water and Sewerage Corporation to keep pumping stations, machinery, and generators fully operational and deployed additional traffic police to maintain smooth flow during the rains.
Shah also ordered district administrations and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority to be prepared for emergencies, warned of strict action against officials showing negligence, and directed the health department to ensure emergency medical staff and medicines are available at all government hospitals. Relief teams were instructed to assist citizens stranded in low-lying areas.
He emphasised clearing garbage from drains, keeping underpass pumps operational, and addressing social media complaints promptly. He warned that no negligence in relief and emergency operations would be tolerated.
Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan confirmed that emergency response teams have been activated across the city. All fire stations are on high alert, with seven focal persons assigned for 24-hour emergency duties.
Number of trees have fallen due to heavy gusts of wind. Plz avoid using the club road in front of Karachi Gymkhana which is currently closed for traffic
Khan said a central control room has been established at the KMC building to coordinate operations. Focal persons remain in constant contact with the control room to ensure rapid response. He added that emergency response teams are operating under the supervision of Karachi commissioner, providing timely assistance to affected residents.
Sindh Local Government Minister Nasser Hussain Shah has issued a high alert across Karachi and the entire province ahead of heavy rainfall, announcing that all Eid holidays for staff of relevant departments have been cancelled.
“The Sindh government is actively working to protect the lives and property of the public,” Nasser Shah said, urging citizens to remain indoors and exercise caution around electricity installations. He added that machinery has been deployed at areas prone to water accumulation.
All officers and staff have been directed to reach key roads immediately, and drainage operations have been ordered to start without delay, including around markets, the minister said. He warned that action would be taken in case of any water-logging.
Commissioner Karachi Syed Hasan Naqvi confirmed that the city administration remains on high alert. He instructed all deputy and assistant commissioners to stay in the field and play an active role in relief operations and flood management.
“Citizens should coordinate with local government institutions, traffic police, and other relevant departments to ensure assistance,” he added, stressing that the administration is working to minimise difficulties for people who have gone out for Eid shopping.
The commissioner also said efforts are underway to improve drainage and traffic flow, with traffic police providing support to ensure smooth movement on the city’s roads.
Moreover, Karachi Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad said the city administration has completed arrangements for the forecasted rain, with special teams deployed in low-lying areas. He stressed that machinery and personnel are in the field to ensure quick drainage of water and urged citizens to stay indoors unless necessary.
Sindh Rangers on standby
A Sindh Rangers spokesperson said the force is fully alert to ensure public safety and facilitate timely rescue operations amid heavy rains. Surveillance and rapid-response teams have been deployed in low-lying areas, and coordination with other agencies is ongoing.
The spokesperson advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from electrical wires, and contact emergency services in case of urgent needs. He urged residents to rely only on verified information and assured that Rangers are prepared to respond at all times.