Karachi, March 19, 2026 – Reportedly, at least 17 people were killed and several others injured after a powerful thunderstorm, accompanied by heavy rain and strong winds, swept across Karachi on Wednesday night, triggering multiple incidents of structural collapse and urban disruption.
According to rescue officials, the worst tragedy occurred in Baldia Town where 11 people lost their lives after a wall collapsed due to intense winds. In a separate incident in Landhi’s Majeed Colony, two people, including a woman, were killed while three others sustained injuries following another wall collapse.
Additional casualties were reported in different parts of the city. A man died after being struck by lightning near Yaru Goth in Malir, while a woman lost her life when the roof of her house caved in in Korangi Sector 3½. Another fatality occurred when a tree fell on a man in Korangi No. 5. Rescue authorities confirmed that at least seven people were injured in rain-related incidents across the city.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported wind speeds reaching up to 97 km/h in Mauripur and 90 km/h on Sharea Faisal, intensifying the impact of the storm.
Rainfall was recorded in several areas, with Korangi receiving the highest at 55.6 mm, followed by Mauripur, DHA Phase-II, and Gulistan-e-Jauhar. Widespread showers were also reported in Saddar, Clifton, North Karachi, and Malir.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and warned about fallen trees, particularly near Club Road.
The PMD had earlier forecast rain and thunderstorms across Sindh due to a westerly weather system, warning of possible lightning strikes and strong winds in multiple districts.At least 17 killed in Karachi as powerful storm brings heavy rain, 97 km/h winds, wall collapses and widespread damage across the city.