Karachi, Pakistan - More than 200 people were killed as torrential rain and thunderstorms lashed the Pakistani port city of Karachi on Sunday, destroying hundreds of homes and causing widespread power outages.

Gale-force winds uprooted trees and power pylons and blew down roofs and walls, crushing and electrocuting scores of victims.

Provincial health minister Syed Sardar Ahmed said 43 people were killed on Saturday and "the bodies of 185 more victims were identified today [Sunday]", taking the toll to 228.He said another 200 people were injured, mostly in the suburbs.

The Edhi Trust aid network also put the death toll at more than 200 as Karachi was deluged by 17,2mm in just one hour on Saturday.

Parts of the southern city saw sporadic rioting after night-long power cuts caused by damage to the electrical grid.

The worst-hit area was the impoverished Gadap neighbourhood, where roofs of shanty houses collapsed on entire families, officials said.

"We have recorded more than 500 houses destroyed or partially damaged due to thunderstorm," said the town's deputy mayor Abdus Sattar Brohi. He said the nearby Gujro and Songal areas were also badly affected.

Bodies wrapped in white sheets and plastic bags were seen lying at the mortuary of the Edhi Trust, which runs welfare homes and ambulances. "We have received these bodies from Karachi and adjoining towns," Edhi Trust official Mohammad Saleem said.

In one incident, at least six heroin addicts sleeping in a drain were killed by a falling billboard.

A local administration official was also killed by a collapsing hoarding, while witnesses said half a dozen parked cars were crushed by a falling wall.

Hundreds of affected families were evacuated to makeshift relief centres in schools and other government buildings, while media criticised the authorities for allowing oversized billboards with weak foundations in congested areas.

Health minister Ahmed said an emergency had been declared at all government hospitals and leave was cancelled for doctors and paramedical staff. Authorities have cancelled school examinations scheduled for Monday.

Officials said the power supply was restored to most parts of the city on Sunday. The meteorological office has forecast more rain this week. -- AFP

Original Source: Mail & Guardian