Pakistan: At Least 10 Dead from Torrential Rains in Karachi

At least 10 people have died in Karachi, Pakistan, due to torrential monsoon rains. Authorities have ordered the closure of businesses, schools, and public services. Forecasters predict continued heavy rainfall.

The rains caused widespread flooding in the city, with power and telecommunications outages. Flights have been suspended. According to regional spokesperson Abdul Wahid Halepoto, the deaths were due to drowning, building collapses, electrocution, and traffic accidents.

The area around the port received 163.5 millimeters of rain, the largest amount since 1979. Northeastern Karachi received 178 millimeters, the largest amount recorded since the establishment of a meteorological station there five years ago.

Since late June, more than 750 deaths have been recorded in Pakistan due to the monsoon, according to the National Disaster Management Authority. Similar torrential rains have also hit Mumbai, India.