Deadly dust storms hit Karachi, Pakistan

Severe dust storms and heavy rains struck parts of Karachi, Pakistan, on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, resulting in at least four fatalities and damaged properties. The storms came amid a severe heat spell in the city and the onslaught of Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm "Tauktae" which made landfall in India.

Parts of Karachi– Pakistan's largest city– have been impacted by dust storms and heavy rains on Tuesday as temperatures rocketed to 43 °C (109 °F) and Tauktae lashed coastal areas in Sindh.

At least four fatalities have been reported. In Dabba Colony, a man and a woman died when strong winds caused roofs to collapse. Among the fatalities was a 10-year-old child who was hit by a collapsed wall at the Sher Shah Muhammadi. The fourth casualty was reported in Baladia No. 14.

Two people were also injured in separate incidents when strong winds felled a billboard at the Rashid Minhas Road.

Power outages were reported in North Nazimabad, Nazimabad, New Karachi, Federal B Area, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Scheme 33, Surjani Town, Orangi, Korangi, Landhi, Malir Shah Faisal, and Gadap.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the dust storms were caused by the influence of the cyclone, combined with local weather conditions.

Meanwhile, Tauktae has killed at least 40 people since it made landfall in Gujarat, India, on Monday night. It is expected to weaken further on Wednesday, May 19, as it moves north into Rajasthan state.

Featured image credit: Syeda Trimzi