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Heavy rains lashed Karachi on Thursday, killing at least five people in separate incidents and triggering a city-wide rain emergency, according to police, rescue officials, and the city administration. A sixth fatality was reported overnight, raising the death toll to six.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said the rains were caused by a strong westerly system, and that the city received 38.7mm of rain in 24 hours — the heaviest April rainfall in Karachi in 41 years, breaking the previous record of 37mm set on April 2, 1985.
Coverage comparison
The reporting from Dawn, which provided extensive coverage of the event, documents the human toll, infrastructure damage, and the administrative response. The main narrative focuses on the deaths — four from electrocution and one from a building wall collapse — as well as the traffic chaos and power outages that affected many areas.
An initial report on Thursday afternoon described four deaths and the declaration of a rain emergency. Later coverage on Thursday evening confirmed five deaths, adding the collapse of a wall in Pak Colony. A separate report on Friday morning stated that a sixth person had died overnight from electrocution in Gulistan-i-Jauhar.
Coverage also highlighted record-breaking weather data. Dawn reported that Nazimabad received the highest rainfall, with figures varying between 69.6mm on Thursday evening and 97.4mm by Friday morning. The PMD noted that the minimum temperature in Karachi on Friday was 16°C, which is 5.8°C below the normal April average of 21.8°C — the lowest ever recorded for April in the city.
The city administration's preparedness was a recurring theme. Several reports quoted officials stating that a rain emergency had been declared, with Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi activating measures and establishing a helpline (1299). The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) and Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) staff were deployed for drainage and relief work. Rain emergency help desks were set up in multiple districts.
Key claims
Casualties and incidents
Five people were killed on Thursday: four from electrocution and one from a wall collapse. The electrocution victims were identified as:
- Shahabuddin, 40, who died while trying to fix an electrical issue near Pakistan Kanta in Ahsanabad. Police said he was believed to be an employee of K-Electric.
- Abdul Waleed, 35, who died after touching an electric pole near Faizan Masjid in PIB Colony.
- Dua Batool Sarfraz, 7, who was electrocuted inside her home in Sector-7-A of Surjani Town.
- Sartaj, 23, who was electrocuted while working inside a home in Hasan Brohi Goth near Bashir Chowk.
A roof collapse was reported in Ranchhor Line, but no casualties occurred because the building had already been evacuated.
Infrastructure and flooding
Several roads were inundated, including Sharea Faisal near Nursery, where rainwater entered shops in the nearby furniture market. A main road near the airport connecting Malir Cantonment to Malir Halt caved in, leaving vehicles stranded. A major stretch connecting Shahrah-i-Pakistan with Karimabad remained submerged, causing congestion.
K-Electric temporarily suspended power supply in some areas as a safety measure, with around 500 feeders initially affected, later reduced to approximately 120 by 6:30 PM.
Weather records and outlook
Karachi's 38.7mm rainfall in 24 hours broke the previous April record of 37mm set in 1985. The minimum temperature of 16°C was the lowest ever recorded for April. Dadu also broke its rainfall record with 23mm, exceeding its previous record of 22mm set in 2017. Several other cities, including Badin, Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Larkana, and Mirpurkhas, set records for lowest daytime temperatures.
Hail was reported in parts of the city, including Clifton, DHA, Mauripur, and Gulistan-i-Jauhar.
The PMD forecast no rain in Karachi on Friday, with partly cloudy weather and chances of light drizzle. Two more rain spells are expected this month, according to Chief Meteorologist Ameer Hyder Laghari.
Administrative response
A rain emergency was declared, with Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi activating measures and establishing a helpline (1299). Help desks were set up in districts East, South, Keamari, and Central. The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) established rain emergency centres in regional offices, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Larkana, until April 8.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said advance arrangements had been made, leaves of essential staff were cancelled, and de-watering pumps were installed at identified chokepoints. Sindh IGP Javed Alam Odho directed police control rooms to remain on high alert.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the situation was under control, with all major underpasses open and traffic flowing on major arteries.
Perspectives
City administration: Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi and Mayor Murtaza Wahab emphasised preparedness and swift response, citing the deployment of municipal staff, help desks, and the activation of emergency measures to manage the deluge.
Provincial government: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon highlighted advance arrangements, including cancelled leaves and installed pumps, presenting the response as proactive.
Meteorological department: PMD officials, including Chief Meteorologist Ameer Hyder Laghari, framed the event within the context of climate change, warning of more spells and potential agricultural damage.
Rescue agencies: Police and rescue officials provided detailed accounts of the casualties, underscoring the electrocution risks associated with the rains.