Windstorm kills 19 in Karachi , CM orders continued relief operations

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Mar, 2026) Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday reviewed the administrative response to the severe windstorm and heavy rainfall that struck Karachi on Wednesday night, directing all relevant agencies to remain in the field until relief and restoration operations are fully completed.

The chief minister was briefed at the CM House by Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi and DIG Traffic Pir Muhammad Shah on rescue efforts, road clearance and restoration of traffic across the city.

According to officials, the rainstorm persisted from 7 pm to midnight, with rainfall ranging between 2 mm and 25 mm in various localities. The storm triggered multiple incidents, including fallen trees, signboards and damaged structures.

Authorities reported that at least 19 people lost their lives and 16 others were injured in rain-related accidents, with the worst-hit area being Baldia in Keamari district, where 13 fatalities occurred.

Following the chief minister’s directives, district administrations, municipal teams and emergency services launched immediate rescue and clearance operations. Fallen trees and debris were removed from major arteries, restoring traffic flow in most parts of the city.

Officials said no major water-logging or prolonged traffic disruption was recorded.

Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Murad Shah emphasised that protecting citizens’ lives and property remains the government’s top priority, directing all departments to stay alert and continue operations until normalcy is fully restored.

Multiple agencies, including the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, traffic police, district administrations and K-Electric, worked in coordination to manage the situation. Traffic police also deployed mobile mechanical workshops to assist stranded motorists and remove damaged vehicles.

The chief minister appreciated the coordinated response and was briefed on clearance operations at key locations, including Club Road near Gymkhana, Rashid Minhas Road, MT Khan Road near the U.S. Consulate, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Court Road, National Highway and Sohrab Goth, where obstructions were swiftly removed.

Murad Shah directed authorities to maintain their field presence until all relief activities are completed and stressed the need for continued preparedness to tackle extreme weather events in the future.