KARACHI: A severe storm accompanied by roaring winds up to 97 km an hour and heavy rainfall swept across Karachi on Wednesday late evening, affecting numerous neighbourhoods and leaving at least two people injured after a tree fell on them. The storm also disrupted the 29th night of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak prayers in many parts of the city.
According to initial reports, the storm brought exceptionally high wind speeds. Data showed that Shahrah-e-Faisal recorded winds of 90 km/h, while Maripur experienced gusts of up to 97 km/h. Karachi Airport also saw winds reaching 92 km/h as the system moved through the city. In Keamari, the gusty winds blew away a rooftop, though no casualties were reported from that incident.
The downpour drenched entire metropolis with notably Bahadurabad and surrounding localities. Residents in DHA reported a “violent storm” with heavy rain, while those in Gulshan-e-Iqbal described continuous rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning.
In other parts, residents also called the howling storm and thunderbolts “quite a sound and light show with a heavy downpour”. Similarly, Lyari Old Town experienced a storm so severe that residents reported it was impossible to step outside. Areas including Model Colony, Malir, Keamari, Gulshan-e-Maar, Ahsanabad, and Machar Colony all reported heavy rain with strong winds.
The storm has already caused significant damage. A wall collapse was reported in Machar Colony and Muhammadia Colony. Near the Press Club, a portion of a tree fell onto the road, disrupting traffic flow. On Mai Kolachi Road, huge billboards collapsed due to the strong winds; however, commuters in the vicinity were reported safe.
The most serious incident occurred near the Clifton Driving License Branch, where a tree fell on two individuals, trapping them. A spokesperson for Rescue 1122 Sindh confirmed.
The heavy downpour also overwhelmed the city’s drainage system, leading to sewage overflow from choked manholes in many areas. Roads and streets became waterlogged and muddy, forcing pedestrians to leap over accumulated sewage and making travel difficult for commuters.
The Meteorological Department has warned that the spell of rain and thunderstorms is likely to continue, bringing cooler temperatures in its wake. Authorities have advised citizens to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel until the situation stabilizes.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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