Karachi, Pakistan battered by deadly storms as rare March rainfall and strong winds cause widespread damage

Night of violent winds and sudden collapse

The storm moved in quickly. First the wind, then the rain.

Overnight in Karachi, Pakistan, heavy rain and powerful gusts tore across the city, pushing through neighborhoods and bringing structures down. Walls gave way. Roofs collapsed. Trees were ripped out and scattered across roads.

By morning, the damage was visible everywhere.

At least 15 people were killed, with more than two dozen injured. Emergency crews carried victims to hospitals across the city. Many lost their lives when walls and roofs gave in. Others were struck by falling trees or lightning.

The storm began on Wednesday. It did not ease for hours.

Winds near 90 km/h and widespread disruption

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, winds reached up to 90 km/h and held that strength for hours.

The force was enough to tear branches from trees and damage buildings across multiple districts. Roads filled with debris. Traffic slowed, then stalled. In some areas, it stopped completely.

Power outages spread through parts of the city.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab urged residents to remain indoors.

Crews worked through the streets, clearing fallen trees and broken debris.

Unseasonal rainfall intensifies the impact

The rain added another layer to the crisis.

In Karachi, Pakistan, more than 50 mm of rain was recorded, far above the usual March levels. The average for the month is around 15.7 mm.

This was not typical. Not for this time of year.

Thunderstorms moved through with the rain. Strong winds continued. In some areas, hail fell as well.

The system did not behave like a normal March pattern.

Structural damage and citywide disruption

Across the city, the storm left clear marks.

Buildings were damaged. A pedestrian bridge collapsed. Water gathered in low-lying areas while electricity failed in parts of the city.

Emergency services responded to multiple incidents tied directly to the weather. In several cases, people were trapped beneath falling walls or debris.

The storm did not pass quietly.

It pushed through with force, leaving behind broken structures and disrupted streets.

Wider impact across Sindh and neighboring regions

The system did not stop at Karachi, Pakistan.

Other parts of Sindh province saw rain and thunderstorms as the same weather pattern moved across the region. Forecasters linked the instability to a westerly system moving into southern Pakistan.

Conditions remain unsettled. More rain is possible. More wind. Thunderstorms may return, and isolated hail cannot be ruled out.

Across the border, in Gujarat, India and Rajasthan, India, the storms were less intense but still noticeable. Rainfall totals were lower, though Rajkot, India recorded 38 mm.

Even there, disruption was felt. Power outages occurred. Trees were damaged. Farmers raised concerns about crops and the timing of the harvest.

Rare weather for March raises concern

Heavy rain in March is unusual for this region.

Most rainfall arrives later in the year, during the monsoon season between June and September. March is typically dry, especially across north-west India where rainfall is often minimal.

This event stands out.

Strong winds. Intense rain. Sudden damage.

All of it unfolding within hours.