Karachi Breaks 41-Year Rain Record as Heavy Downpour Brings Chill and Chaos

KARACHI: Karachi witnessed a record-breaking rain spell that shattered a 41-year-old record, plunging the city into winter-like chills and causing widespread disruption.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported 38.7 millimetres of rainfall in 24 hours, surpassing the previous April record of 37mm set on April 2, 1985.

Temperature Drop and Weather Forecast

The heavy rain caused temperatures to fall sharply, with the minimum dropping to 16°C, nearly 5.8°C below the average for this time of year. Normally, Karachi records an average of 21.8°C in April.

The PMD said the current westerly wave is moving southeast, affecting other parts of the country until April 4. Today, Karachi is expected to see partly cloudy skies with light rain or drizzle, and no further heavy downpours are forecasted.

Casualties and Incidents

The wet spell turned deadly, with seven confirmed fatalities over the last two days:

• A person in Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 7 was electrocuted.
• Five others died from electric shocks in Surjani Town, PIB Colony, and near MA Jinnah Road.
• In Old Golimar, a wall collapse killed a rickshaw driver.
• Another wall collapse in Orangi Town injured three children, who were moved to a hospital by rescue teams.

Flooding, Traffic, and Power Outages

The rain caused major flooding in low-lying areas such as Safoora Chowrangi and Hassan Square, leaving streets submerged for hours. Traffic came to a standstill in several areas, while power supply was disrupted due to tripped electricity feeders, leaving neighborhoods in the dark.

Rainfall Data Across Karachi

PMD shared the following rainfall data:

• Nazimabad: 97.4mm (wettest area)
• Keamari: 76mm
• Surjani Town: 67mm
• Other areas: DHA, Orangi Town, Jinnah Terminal

Impact Beyond Karachi

Other parts of Sindh also experienced heavy rainfall, including:

• Mohenjo-Daro: 50mm
• Jacobabad, Dadu, Hyderabad: Significant rainfall reported

The provincial government is actively working to drain waterlogged areas and restore normal traffic flow. While the rain provided a rare refresh for Karachi, authorities remain on high alert as the weather system continues to move across the region.