KARACHI:
High-speed winds of up to 82 kilometres per hour have swept across Karachi, causing widespread damage, including the toppling of trees and signboards.
A 50-year-old woman was passing by Bait-ul-Mukarram Mosque on Gulshan-e-Iqbal University Road when a tree fell on her due to strong winds, resulting in her death on the spot.
The body of the deceased, identified as Shamim Bibi, was shifted to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital in a private car, and after legal proceedings, it was handed over to the heirs.
Meanwhile, a man was killed when a tree fell on him due to strong winds near People’s Chowrangi on New MA Jinnah Road in the limits of Jamshed Quarters police station. According to Chhipa officials, the deceased was riding a motorcycle when he was crushed under a falling tree. The identity of the deceased has not yet been determined, but his age is estimated to be around 25 years.
In various areas, several trees fell due to strong winds and rain. In Korangi Sector 51-C area, 25-year-old Muhammad Samir died due to electrocution while working at home.
The strong winds were a result of a storm churning in the Arabian Sea, which has started to impact the city. Up to 82.8km per hour wind velocity was recorded at PAF Base Faisal, 81km per hour at PAF Base Masroor, 57km per hour at Old Airport, and 36 to 45 km per hour in various areas of the city on Friday
The Pakistan Meteorolo-gical Department (PMD) earlier reported that wind speeds had reached dangerous levels, with gusts peaking at 60 kilometres per hour.
According to data released by the Meteorological Department, Surjani Town received highest rainfall of 129.6 mm during the last 24 hours, followed by Nazimabad 45.2 mm and 42 mm in Keamari. DHA got the lowest precipitation of 10.7 mm during the last 24 hours.
Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has assured that the government will not abandon those affected by the recent rains and will provide full support to them.
Shah met with Faryal Talpur, the central president of the Pakistan People’s Party’s (PPP) women’s wing and a member of the Sindh Assembly, at Zardari House in Karachi on Friday.
The discussion focused on the current monsoon rain situation across Karachi and the rest of Sindh.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has urged residents to avoid “unnecessary movement.” He took to X, saying, “I would urge the residents of Karachi especially bike riders to avoid unnecessary movement.
Stay safe everyone & in case of any emergency call 1339.” The Karachi commissioner’s office has also announced a holiday for schools on August 30 (Friday) due to the anticipated severe weather.
