Karachi, March 19 At least 19 people have been killed in various incidents related to heavy rain in Karachi, Pakistan, which was hit by torrential downpours, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
The casualties on Wednesday night occurred due to the collapse of roofs and walls, electrocution, and falling trees and signboards due to the heavy rain and strong winds.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast more rainy weather and strong winds for Thursday.
SSP Korangi Sanghar Malik said that 12 people were killed when the roof and wall of a telephone exchange collapsed on them while they were sitting underneath it having tea.
"The heavy winds, thunderstorms, and rain caused the collapse in Mochko Goth in the Saeedabad area," he said.
He said rescue teams were still clearing the debris, and there could be more survivors or bodies underneath.
Most of the rain-related incidents occurred in the low-lying and lower-income areas of the metropolitan city.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police South, Asad Raza, told the media on Thursday morning that other casualties were reported in Korangi, where a couple died when the roof of their house collapsed, and in Malir, where two people were struck by lightning.
He also reported casualties from Majeed Colony in the Landhi area, where the body of a woman was recovered from under a fallen tree trunk, and in the Clifton area.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab issued a public service message advising people to stay home and avoid unnecessary travel on Thursday.
Geo TV also reported that dozens of feeders had also tripped due to the heavy rain, leaving many areas of the city without power.
The Met Office has also predicted showers in other parts of Sindh for the next two days.
"Rain and thunderstorms with strong winds and isolated hail with a few moderate to isolated heavy falls was forecast in Jamshoro, Hyderabad, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Matiari, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allah Yar, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Sanghar, Mirpurkhas, Naushahro Feroze, Shaheed Benazirabad and Dadu districts," it said in a statement.