Karachi Storm Kills 21, Injures Over 60

Heavy rains and strong winds battered Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and financial hub, overnight from Wednesday into Thursday, killing at least 21 people and injuring more than 60 others as collapsing walls, roofs and trees caused widespread devastation, according to city authorities and emergency services.

The storm, driven by a westerly weather system, brought gusts of up to 97 kilometers per hour and rainfall measuring up to 55 millimeters in some areas, such as Korangi, the Pakistan Meteorological Department reported. It began in the afternoon of March 18 and intensified through the night, leading to multiple structural failures across the southern Sindh province capital. Rescue teams from the 1122 emergency service recovered bodies from debris in low-income neighborhoods, where many structures proved vulnerable to the onslaught.

The deadliest incident occurred in the Moachh Goth area of Baldia Town, where a wall collapsed on 13 people who had sought shelter from the rain, officials said. Initial reports indicated the victims included individuals who were using drugs and had gathered near the building. Access to the site was hampered by uneven roads and ongoing debris...