Tragedy In Karachi: Rainstorms Claim 19 Lives; More Showers Forecast

KARACHI, PAKISTAN — A devastating spell of pre-Eid weather has left at least 19 people dead and dozens injured across Karachi as of Thursday morning, March 19, 2026. Heavy downpours, lightning, and hurricane-force winds battered the metropolitan city on Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction to its already fragile infrastructure.

1. Fatalities and Major Incidents

The death toll rose sharply overnight as rescue teams navigated flooded streets and debris.

• Mawach Goth Building Collapse: The deadliest single incident occurred in Baldia Town’s Mawach Goth, where a building wall collapsed on a group seeking shelter from the storm. At least 13 people were killed; officials noted many victims were gathered in the area to avoid the rain.
• Korangi & Landhi: Two people died in Majeed Colony when a wall collapsed, while a man in Korangi No. 5 was killed by a falling tree.
• Lightning Strikes: Two fatalities were reported in the Malir and Landhi areas after victims were struck by lightning during the height of the storm.
• Other Casualties: A woman was killed by a falling tree in Clifton, and another died due to a roof collapse in Korangi.

2. Extreme Weather Data

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) recorded intense conditions that paralyzed the city:

• Wind Speeds: Gusts reached a staggering 97 km/h in Mauripur and 90 km/h on Sharea Faisal.
• Rainfall: Korangi recorded the highest rainfall, while significant accumulation was seen in North Karachi, Surjani Town, and Saddar.
• Grid Failure: Over 800 K-Electric feeders tripped, plunging large swathes of the city—including Defence, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and North Karachi—into darkness.

3. Government Response

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has placed all municipal institutions on high alert and directed the immediate drainage of water from major arteries. Mayor Murtaza Wahab issued a public advisory on Thursday morning: “I would request people to avoid unnecessary movement until the situation settles.”

Karachi Weather Outlook (March 19, 2026)