Karachi rain death toll hits nine as warning of further torrential downpours issued

Heavy monsoon rains that began Tuesday in Pakistan’s largest city left at least nine people dead by Wednesday, rescue officials said, as the National Emergencies Operation Center issued an alert for more torrential downpours in Sindh.

The victims were killed in separate incidents across Karachi, including wall collapses, electrocution, and fire.

In Gulistan-e-Jauhar’s Block 12, a house wall collapsed, killing four members of a family. Chhipa Welfare identified the deceased as Maryam, 4, Hamza, 3, their mother Samia, 24, and another unidentified man around 28 years old.

In Orangi Town, a wall collapse near Aqsa Mosque killed 8-year-old Abdullah, son of Abbas.

Elsewhere, electrocution claimed two lives. A 24-year-old unidentified man died in Defense Phase 6 near Bukhari Commercial, while Saad Ali, 24, son of Shahid Parvez, died near the post office on Shahrah-e-Faisal.

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Two other victims, both unidentified and aged about 28, died after a fire broke out at a fuel pump near Malir 15.

The deaths came a day after the city was drenched by a substantial spell of monsoon rain Tuesday morning, which cooled temperatures but overwhelmed Karachi’s fragile drainage, traffic, and power systems.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department attributed the rainfall to a seasonal low-pressure system. Officials warned residents to avoid flooded underpasses and stay alert for further advisories, with cloudy skies and isolated showers forecast to persist.

Heavy rains likely in next 12 to 24 hours

On Wednesday, the National Emergencies Operation Center warned that extremely heavy rains are likely in the next 12 to 24 hours in Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, and adjoining areas.

The alert said more than 50 to 100 millimeters of rain could fall in a short time, increasing the risk of urban flooding in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Mirpurkhas due to poor drainage systems.

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Authorities also cautioned of flash floods in Thatta, Badin, Jamshoro, and Dadu districts, and warned of possible river flooding as water levels rise in the Indus River and its tributaries.

The advisory noted that major highways and local roads could be submerged, hampering mobility, while electricity and telecommunications services may face extended disruptions.

Residents in flood-prone areas were urged to move valuables and livestock to safer ground, stock up on emergency supplies such as food, water, medicines, and first aid kits, and exercise caution when using electrical appliances. The public was also advised to avoid submerged roads and stay clear of power poles.

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Traffic snarls after Tuesday’s rainfall highlighted Karachi’s vulnerability. Gridlock was reported in District South at Capri Chowk toward Numaish, Shahrah-e-Liaquat, Baba-e-Urdu Chowk, M.A. Jinnah Road, Sharea Faisal, II Chundrigar Road, and Fawara Chowk.

In District East, bottlenecks developed at Bahadurabad, the PAF Bridge toward the city, and University Road. District Central saw slow movement at Lasbela Chowk, NIPA, Guru Mandir, Jamshed Road, and Jahangir Road. In District West, traffic built up at Gulbai Chowk, Lakri Godi, Dabba Mor, and PTC Gate.

Authorities said traffic police were deployed at multiple choke points to regulate flow and assist commuters.