HYDERABAD: At least nine people lost their lives and more than 50 sustained injuries during a severe dust storm that struck Shaheed Benazirabad district and its surrounding areas the previous night. According to initial reports, the storm caused signboards, makeshift structures, and weak buildings to collapse at various locations, leading to casualties and injuries.
Rescue efforts were promptly initiated, and the injured were shifted to Peoples Medical University Hospital Nawabshah for treatment. Hospital administration confirmed that 32 injured individuals were brought to the facility. Of them, 22 were provided first aid and discharged, while 10 remain under treatment. Medical Superintendent Dr. Yar Ali Jamali disclosed that four dead bodies are also present at the hospital, and emergency services have been placed on high alert to handle the situation.
Deputy Commissioner Shaheed Benazirabad, Abdul Samad Nizamani, visited the hospital to inquire about the condition of the injured. He toured various wards, directed doctors to ensure the best possible medical care, and emphasized timely treatment for all affected individuals. During the visit, the Deputy Commissioner also instructed relevant departments to accelerate relief activities in affected areas. He urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during adverse weather conditions and to take precautionary measures for safety.
Later, the Deputy Commissioner visited Zero Point to review ongoing efforts by HESCO for the restoration of electric supply. He directed officials to ensure the earliest possible resumption of power supply in affected areas. Areas of Karachi, including Scheme 33, Shadman Town, Malir, Orangi Town, Baldia Town, Gulshan-e-Maymar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Shah Faisal Colony, Bahria Town, Buffer Zone, Nazimabad, and Federal B Area, were hit by strong winds and dust storms. However, damage remained minimal as the intensity of the storm gradually weakened.
In Nawabshah, Shahpur Chakar, and surrounding areas, strong winds accompanied by rain brought much-needed relief from the intense heat that had persisted for several days. Residents welcomed the cooler weather and rainfall, although power outages were reported in some localities. In Hyderabad and nearby areas, powerful winds and dust storms created panic among residents. Light rainfall was recorded in different parts of the city following the storm, but the electricity supply system was severely affected. Power outages began around 11 p.m. in most areas, while residents of Heerabad had been without electricity since 9 p.m., causing significant hardship.
Similarly, Dadu and its surrounding areas experienced a severe dust storm followed by light rain, bringing pleasant weather and ending the ongoing heatwave. However, strong winds disrupted the power system, resulting in electricity outages in many areas. The worst damage was reported in Moro, where powerful winds tore away solar panels and signboards installed on the rooftops of houses, shops, hotels, and government and semi-government buildings. Trees were uprooted at several locations, and power lines collapsed in multiple areas. Five people were injured in separate incidents and were immediately shifted to the hospital for treatment.
