SUKKUR – Web Desk: Severe dust storms, high winds, and torrential rains wreaked havoc across several districts of Sindh, including Karachi, on Tuesday night, causing widespread damage and disrupting power supply across the region.
Several cities experienced complete power breakdowns, with reports of uprooted trees, flying solar panels, and broken electricity wires. In Moro, storm winds caused the most damage, with solar panels and signboards flying off rooftops of homes, shops, hotels, and government buildings. Five people were injured in various incidents and were shifted to hospitals.
Karachi and Other Cities
Various areas of Karachi, including Scheme 33, Shadman Town, Malir, Orangi Town, Baldia, Gulshan-e-Maar, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Shah Faisal Colony, Bahria Town, Buffer Zone, Nazimabad, and Federal B Area were affected, though damage was minimal due to lower storm intensity.
Nawabshah, Shahpur Chakar, and surrounding areas received dust storms and rain, breaking the intense heat spell. Hyderabad and its outskirts also experienced frightening winds followed by light rain, but power supply was severely affected, with most areas losing electricity from 11 PM. Daud and its surrounding areas received light rain after a severe dust storm, improving the weather but disrupting power supply.
Power Infrastructure Damaged
SEPCO’s transmission system was severely affected due to the storm. Multiple 132kV and 220kV circuits tripped due to damaged transmission lines, towers, and electricity poles. Key transmission lines from the 220kV Lodhra Grid Station to Shikarpur, Garhi Yasin, Larkana, Madeji, and Lakhi were severely affected. A total of 46 grid stations were affected, disrupting power supply to Larkana, Qambar, Shahdadkot, Ratodero, Kashmore, Kandhkot, Ghotki, Khairpur, Naushahro Feroze, Moro, Tharo Shah, Kandiaro, Pir Jo Goth, Kot Diji, Gambat, Daharki, Ubaro, Pano Aqil, Rohri, and dozens of other areas. SEPCO has mobilized emergency teams to repair damaged poles, towers, and lines.
