KARACHI: Another spell of rain lashed Karachi on Thursday, a day after a powerful thunderstorm claimed at least 19 lives and caused widespread damage across the port city.
Heavy rainfall was reported in several areas, including Orangi Town, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Lyari, Clifton, Scheme 33 and Mauripur, where hail was also recorded. Showers were also observed on II Chundrigar Road and in North Nazimabad.
The fresh downpour comes hours after a violent storm, accompanied by gale-force winds, swept through the city on Wednesday night, resulting in multiple fatalities and structural damage.
According to authorities, at least 19 people lost their lives in rain-related incidents, most of them due to collapsing walls and roofs. In Baldia Town’s Mawachh Goth area, rescue teams recovered 13 bodies from the debris of a collapsed building, while search operations continued for more victims feared trapped under the rubble.
In a separate incident in Landhi’s Majeed Colony, two people, including a woman, were killed when a wall collapsed, while three others sustained injuries.
Another fatality was reported near Yaru Goth along the Malir River, where a person died after being struck by lightning.
The rain brought a noticeable drop in temperature across the city, providing some relief from the heat.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast further rain and thunderstorms with strong winds and isolated hailstorms in parts of Sindh as a westerly weather system continues to influence the region.
Under its impact, rain with occasional moderate to heavy showers is expected in Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Matiari, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Nosheroferoz, Shaheed Benazirabad and Dadu districts, as well as across the Karachi Division.
Similar weather conditions are also likely in Larkana, Qambar Shahdadkot, Shikarpur, Jacobabad, Kashmore, Ghotki and Sukkur districts.
The Met Office has warned of possible lightning strikes in isolated areas and advised farmers to take precautionary measures to protect crops.
It further stated that another westerly wave is expected to enter the country between March 24 and 27, which may bring additional rainfall to Karachi and other parts of Sindh.