KARACHI (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 19 March, 2026) Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Thursday reviewed the administrative response to the severe storm and heavy rains that hit the country. Karachi On Wednesday night, he directed all relevant agencies to remain in the field until relief and restoration operations were completed.
Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi and Traffic Department Director Pir Muhammad Shah briefed the Prime Minister at CM House on the rescue efforts, clearing roads and restoring traffic movement across the city.
According to officials, the rainstorm continued from seven in the evening until midnight, and the amount of rain ranged between 2 mm and 25 mm in various localities. The storm caused several incidents, including downed trees and damaged signs and structures.
Authorities reported that at least 19 people were killed and 16 others were injured in rain-related incidents, with the worst affected area being Baldia in Kimari District, where 13 deaths occurred.
Based on the Prime Minister’s directives, district administrations, municipal teams and emergency services launched immediate rescue and disinfection operations. Fallen trees and debris were removed from major arteries, restoring traffic in most parts of the city.
Officials said that no major water accumulation or prolonged traffic disruption was recorded.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives, Murad Shah stressed that protecting the lives and properties of citizens remains the government’s top priority and directed all departments to remain alert and continue operations until normalcy is fully restored.
Multiple agencies, including Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, traffic police, district administrations and K-Electric, worked in coordination to manage the situation. Traffic police were also deployed mobile Mechanical workshops to assist stranded motorists and remove damaged vehicles.
The Prime Minister appreciated the coordinated response and viewed the disinfection operations at key locations, including Club Road near Gymkhana, Rashid Minhas Road, MT Khan Road near US Consulate, Shahra Faisal, Court Road, National Highway and Sohrab Goth, where obstructions were quickly removed.
Murad Shah directed the authorities to continue their field presence until all relief activities are completed and stressed the need for continued preparation to confront severe weather phenomena in the future.
