Key moments

Heavy rain and thunderstorms began impacting Karachi late on March 18, 2026, leading to devastating consequences for the city. The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported that wind speeds reached up to 97 kilometers per hour, contributing to the chaos as the storm swept through various neighborhoods.

As a result of the severe weather, at least 21 people were killed in rain-related incidents across the city. Among the fatalities, a building collapse in Baldia Town accounted for 13 deaths, while a wall collapse in Landhi’s Majeed Colony claimed two lives. Additionally, a lightning strike in Malir resulted in the death of a 35-year-old man, and a four-year-old girl was killed when a wall collapsed in Gulistan-e-Johar.

The heaviest rainfall recorded during this storm was 55.6mm in Korangi, which contributed to widespread flooding and structural damage throughout Karachi. The storm caused significant power outages, with electricity suspended in the Buffer Zone since 9 PM on March 18. Rescue teams, including personnel from Rescue 1122, are currently engaged in clearing debris and searching for victims, as officials warn of the possibility of further heavy rainfall in the coming hours.

Amir Afzal Owaisi from Rescue 1122 stated, “We are removing more debris and it is possible that someone may still be trapped.” The urgency of the situation has prompted the city administration to remain on high alert for emergencies, as they coordinate rescue efforts and assess damage across affected areas.

Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui, a local official, noted that numerous trees have fallen due to the heavy gusts of wind, further complicating the recovery efforts. The Sindh government is actively working to protect the lives and property of the public, according to Nasser Hussain Shah, who emphasized the need for immediate action in response to the storm’s impact.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact number of injured individuals, as reports vary across different sources. Additionally, the identities of some deceased individuals have not yet been confirmed, adding to the challenges faced by rescue teams and authorities.

As Karachi grapples with the aftermath of this severe weather event, the community remains resilient, with emergency services working tirelessly to restore normalcy. The situation continues to evolve, and officials are urging residents to stay vigilant as more rain is anticipated.