Severe thunderstorms and strong winds battered Karachi on Wednesday, killing one person and injuring at least 16 others in multiple incidents across the city, as authorities warned of more rain and possible hail.

The fatalities and injuries were reported as heavy rain, gusty winds and lightning disrupted daily life, triggered power outages, and slowed traffic in several areas.

In Baldia’s Mawach Goth, a wall collapse left one man dead and eight others injured. Rescue officials said some of the injured were in critical condition and were shifted to Civil Hospital for treatment.

In Clifton, five people were injured when a tree fell amid strong winds. Rescue teams carried out an operation to retrieve and assist the injured.

Separately, in the Quaidabad area near the Mehran Highway, the roof of an under-construction house collapsed, injuring three members of a family — a man, his wife and their daughter. Hospital sources said their condition was stable and out of danger.

The storm swept across multiple localities, including Saddar, I.I. Chundrigar Road, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Bahadurabad, Tariq Road and Sharea Faisal, as well as North Karachi, North Nazimabad, Liaquatabad and Surjani Town.

Electricity supply was suspended in several areas following the downpour, while accumulated rainwater and strong winds disrupted traffic flow on key roads.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said the current spell is driven by a westerly weather system affecting western parts of the country.

While rain in Karachi has subsided for now, the Met Office warned that thunderstorms could return by Thursday afternoon, with chances of heavy rain, strong winds and isolated hailstorms in parts of the city and across Sindh.

Light rain is also expected on the first day of Eid, while another westerly system between March 24 and 27 may bring further showers to Karachi and other parts of Sindh, keeping weather conditions unsettled into early April.

Authorities have advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution, particularly in low-lying and vulnerable areas.