What is the Latest Update on the Karachi Building Collapse?
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Synopsis
The tragic collapse of a five-storey building in Karachi's Lyari has led to a rising death toll, now at 17. As authorities continue their search and rescue operations, concerns grow regarding the safety of numerous other buildings in the area. This incident raises significant questions about building safety regulations and enforcement in Pakistan.
Key Takeaways
- Seventeen fatalities confirmed from the building collapse.
- Emergency responders have rescued nine survivors.
- Concerns remain for an estimated 25 to 30 individuals still trapped.
- The building was deemed unsafe three years ago but residents remained.
- Authorities are discussing safety regulations for other buildings in the area.
Karachi, July 5 (NationPress) The death toll from the five-storey residential building collapse in Karachi's Lyari has increased to 17 as authorities have uncovered more bodies from the rubble, according to Pakistani officials on Saturday.
So far, emergency responders have saved nine injured individuals, but there are concerns that at least 25 to 30 additional people may still be trapped under the debris, as reported by Pakistan's Express Tribune newspaper.
The building, which accommodated six families, collapsed early Friday morning. Among those confirmed deceased are three women and a child.
This tragic incident has caused widespread panic and distress in Pakistan's southern port city, where numerous buildings have been deemed uninhabitable.
Officials disclosed that the decades-old structure, situated in the congested Baghdadi area of Lyari, was marked as unsafe three years prior. However, the residents did not leave, and authorities failed to take necessary enforcement measures. Each floor of the building reportedly had three apartments.
Karachi South Deputy Commissioner Javed Khoso confirmed to the Pakistani daily that residents received notices in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Out of 107 dangerous buildings in the district, 21 are categorized as highly hazardous, with 14 already vacated, he stated.
As the search operation enters its second day, District South Deputy Commissioner Javed Khoso informed Geo News that it could take another eight to ten hours to finish the rescue efforts.
He indicated that there are still 22 extremely hazardous buildings in Lyari, of which 16 have been evacuated.
Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi has also urged residents of the compromised buildings to relocate to prevent any further tragedies.
"We cannot forcibly evict anyone," the commissioner was quoted as saying by Geo News, adding that he plans to meet with the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) about illegal constructions.
Point of View
It is crucial to emphasize that this incident highlights the ongoing challenges of building safety in Pakistan. This tragic event not only affects the families involved but reflects the systemic issues in enforcement and community awareness regarding unsafe structures. Our focus should remain on supporting affected families while advocating for improved safety regulations to prevent future catastrophes.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have died in the Karachi building collapse?
The death toll from the building collapse in Karachi's Lyari has tragically risen to 17.
How many people were rescued from the debris?
So far, emergency responders have rescued nine individuals from the debris.
Are there still people trapped under the rubble?
Yes, officials fear that at least 25 to 30 more individuals may still be trapped beneath the rubble.
What has been done about other dangerous buildings in the area?
Of the 107 dangerous buildings in the district, 21 are classified as highly hazardous, and 14 have been vacated.
What safety measures are being discussed following this incident?
Karachi officials plan to meet with the Sindh Building Control Authority to address issues regarding illegal constructions and safety regulations.
