KARACHI: At least 19 people were killed in rain-related incidents as heavy showers and strong winds lashed parts of Karachi late Wednesday night, officials and rescue services said.
Asad Raza, a senior Police officiual, said that 13 people died in one incident in Saeedabad when a wall of a telephone exchange building collapsed.
The victims were reportedly sitting nearby when strong winds brought the structure down.
In separate incidents, a couple was killed after a house wall collapsed in Landhi, while another man died when a tree fell on him in Korangi, according to the Edhi rescue service.
Karachi is currently receiving major rainfall with strong wind. Would request people to avoid unnecessary movement until the situation settles. Will keep everyone posted 🙏
— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) March 18, 2026
The downpour swept across multiple areas of the city, including Gulshan-i-Iqbal, Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Gulzar-i-Hijri, North Karachi, Surjani Town, North Nazimabad, Saddar, Tower, Sharea Faisal, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Federal B Area, Hassan Square, Manghopir, SITE area, Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Defence, and Clifton.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had earlier forecast rainfall in Karachi and other parts of Sindh due to a westerly weather system affecting the region.
Multiple vehicles damaged near RIMS Trauma Hospital, PECHS, as strong winds and heavy rainfall lash Karachi.
pic.twitter.com/E01rqxqN70— Wolverine Update (@W0lverineupdate) March 18, 2026
According to PMD data, Korangi recorded the highest rainfall at 55.6mm, followed by Maripur with 22mm and DHA Phase-II with 15mm. Other areas received moderate rainfall, including Gulistan-i-Jauhar (13mm), Kemari (12mm), Airport Old Area (9mm), Sharea Faisal (9mm), Saddar Town (9mm), and Jinnah Terminal (8mm).
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the city was experiencing intense rainfall accompanied by strong winds and urged residents to limit movement.
Karachi endures heavy rain and thunderstorms, killing at least 16 people. Flooded streets and power outages add to the chaos, reports Edhi Foundation.#karachi #heavyrain #floods #thunderstorm #pakistan #edhifoundation pic.twitter.com/QmuHtouFDF
— The Federal (@TheFederal_News) March 19, 2026
“Would request people to avoid unnecessary movement until the situation settles,” he said in a statement.
He later added that several trees had fallen across the city due to the severe weather, causing disruptions and posing risks to public safety.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as emergency teams remain on alert amid concerns of further rainfall and potential damage.
