Karachi Orders Evacuation of Dangerous Buildings Before Monsoon
KARACHI: Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi has ordered the immediate evacuation of highly dilapidated residential buildings across the city to protect residents ahead of the expected monsoon rains.
The directive is aimed at preventing loss of life and property as Karachi prepares for heavy rainfall during the monsoon season.
Commissioner Reviews Monsoon Preparedness
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi to review the city’s monsoon preparedness and emergency response measures.
Officials from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) briefed the meeting on the condition of unsafe buildings and the risks they pose during heavy rains.
SBCA Identifies 59 Extremely Dangerous Buildings
According to the SBCA, Karachi has 584 dilapidated buildings, of which 59 have been declared extremely dangerous.
The list includes 29 historical structures that require urgent attention due to their deteriorating condition.
Commissioner Hassan Naqvi directed the SBCA to immediately issue evacuation notices to residents living in these high-risk buildings.
The notices will also be widely publicized to ensure that occupants are fully informed of the potential danger.
Resident Safety Declared Top Priority
The commissioner stressed that protecting human lives must remain the administration’s highest priority during the monsoon season.
He instructed all relevant departments to act swiftly and effectively to minimize the risk of building collapses and other rain-related incidents.
Authorities were also directed to strengthen coordination with district administrations to ensure timely implementation of safety measures.
South District Has the Highest Number of Unsafe Buildings
The district-wise breakdown presented during the meeting showed that South District has the largest concentration of unsafe structures.
According to the SBCA:
- South District: 442 buildings
- Central District: 73 buildings
- Kemari District: 28 buildings
- Korangi District: 18 buildings
- East District: 16 buildings
- Malir District: 5 buildings
- West District: 2 buildings
Officials noted that more than 90 percent of Karachi’s dilapidated buildings are located in South District.
Utility Connections May Be Disconnected
The commissioner instructed the SBCA to immediately share the list of extremely dangerous buildings with all Deputy Commissioners.
The meeting also decided that demolition of unsafe structures would proceed based on their condition and engineering assessments.
Authorities warned that if residents fail to comply with evacuation notices, gas, electricity, and water connections may be disconnected to enforce the evacuation orders.
Authorities Strengthen Monsoon Contingency Plans
The administration said the measures are part of broader monsoon preparedness efforts to reduce risks associated with heavy rainfall.
Residents have been urged to cooperate with officials and vacate dangerous buildings in the interest of public safety.
Local authorities will continue monitoring the situation and coordinating with relevant departments to strengthen Karachi’s emergency response throughout the monsoon season.