Four killed, three injured in rain-related incidents in Karachi as authorities declare emergency

At least four people were killed and three others injured in separate rain-related incidents in Karachi as heavy rainfall disrupted traffic and prompted authorities to declare a rain emergency, officials said.

In the Old Golimar area near Bismillah Hotel, a wall of a house collapsed onto a rickshaw, killing the driver, identified as Irshad, 40, son of Rafiq Ali, according to rescue officials.

In Orangi Town near Ijtima Gah Madina Hotel, a house wall collapse injured three children. They were identified as Qasim, 13, son of Abdul Hameed; Ameer Muawiyah, 14, son of Shafiqur Rehman; and Rehman, 7, son of Shah Nawaz, officials said.

In New Karachi’s Hassan Brohi Goth near Bashir Chowk, a 23-year-old man, Sartaj, son of Poonan, was electrocuted while working inside a house, rescue authorities said.

Another man, Abdul Wali, 30, son of Abdul Bari, died from electrocution near Quetta Hotel in PIB Colony.

In Surjani Sector 7A, a girl identified as Dua Batool died after being electrocuted inside her home, officials said.

Rescue authorities said the total death toll stood at four, with three injured.

Traffic disruptions after heavy rain

The Karachi Traffic Police reported multiple waterlogged roads and significant traffic disruptions across the city following heavy rainfall.

Main Sharea Faisal, from Nursery toward Baloch Colony, was closed, with vehicles diverted via Allah Wali Chowrangi. Slow-moving traffic was reported on Agha Khan Road between Tanker Chowrangi and Garden Chowk in both directions.

Congestion was also reported on the stretch of main Sharea Faisal from the airport toward the city due to accumulated rainwater.

Boat Basin toward the Submarine Underpass was partially closed for light traffic. Jinnah Avenue from Tank Chowk to Malir Halt faced slow traffic, compounded by potholes. Traffic police said officers were deployed on-site to manage the flow.

Authorities issued alternative routes for commuters traveling between FTC and the airport, Baloch Colony and Karsaz, and other key corridors. Motorists were urged to follow police instructions, use diversions where possible, and exercise caution on waterlogged and slippery roads.

Rainfall recorded across city

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) released rainfall data recorded between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m., showing widespread moderate to heavy downpours across Karachi.

Nazimabad received the highest rainfall at 69.9 millimeters.

Other recorded amounts included Keamari (56 mm), Saadi Town (48 mm), Gulistan-i-Jauhar (44.2 mm), Bahria Town (43.5 mm), Orangi Town (39.4 mm), Gulshan-i-Maymar (36 mm), Jinnah Terminal (35 mm), Surjani Town (35 mm), DHA (33 mm), Old Airport (32.6 mm), Shahrah-i-Faisal (30.4 mm), Mauripur (29 mm), North Karachi (28.8 mm), Korangi (18.2 mm), and Gulshan-i-Hadeed (17 mm), according to the PMD.

Weather radar imagery around 10 a.m. showed a heavy downpour over the northern parts of the city, along with isolated hail.

In a weather advisory for Karachi Division, the meteorological department forecast cloudy conditions with intermittent rain and wind-thunderstorms, including moderate to isolated heavy falls. Maximum temperatures were expected between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius, with humidity ranging from 60% to 83%.

On Friday, partly cloudy weather with chances of light rain or drizzle was forecast. Mostly sunny skies were expected on Saturday, with temperatures potentially reaching 30 to 32 degrees Celsius.

Rain emergency declared

A rain emergency was declared in Karachi in view of the weather situation.

Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi said the city administration had activated measures to address the rainfall. Citizens were advised to contact the rescue helpline at 1299 for complaints or assistance.

Staff from the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation, the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board and town administrations were deployed to drain accumulated rainwater from roads, he said. Deputy commissioners were directed to remain alert and relevant officers to stay in the field.

Rain emergency help desks and camps were set up across multiple districts, including East, South, Keamari and Central, according to the commissioner’s office.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab directed the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation staff to remain alert. Rapid response teams were formed in addition to deployed personnel, his office said. Staff were stationed at eight stormwater drains and 12 identified choking points to monitor the situation.

K-Electric, the city’s main power utility, said in a statement that power supply may be temporarily suspended in some areas as a safety measure and would be restored after rainfall subsides and clearance is received from field teams.

The utility urged residents to maintain a safe distance from broken wires, electricity installations and television or internet cables.