KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah reviewed the comprehensive response to the severe windstorm and rainfall that affected Karachi on March 18, urging relevant agencies to persist with relief and restoration efforts until full completion.

According to Chief Minister Sindh, the storm, which ranged from 2 mm to 25 mm across different areas, resulted in 19 deaths and 16 injuries due to incidents involving fallen trees and damaged structures. The Baldia area in the Keamari district was the most affected, accounting for 13 fatalities.

Following the chief minister’s directives, various agencies including municipal teams and emergency services initiated immediate rescue and clearance operations, focusing on removing obstacles such as fallen trees and signboards to restore traffic. The prompt actions prevented major waterlogging and prolonged traffic disruptions.

Murad Ali Shah stressed the importance of protecting citizens’ lives and directed continuous monitoring and relief operations until normalcy is restored. He praised the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, including the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and Traffic Police, which facilitated the timely restoration of traffic and assistance to citizens.

The chief minister was briefed on specific clearance operations carried out on key roads, including Club Road, Housing Crossing, and Rashid Minhas Road, where fallen trees and other hazards were swiftly addressed. Operations continued overnight to ensure major roads were cleared, although minor debris remained in some locations.

Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to stand with citizens and instructed all departments to remain operational until the relief efforts are fully completed. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining preparedness for future weather-related emergencies.