Karachi — With the monsoon season fast approaching, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has declared 740 buildings across the province — including 588 in Karachi alone — as hazardous and structurally unsafe. The agency has issued fresh evacuation notices, warning that these timeworn structures are at serious risk of collapse during heavy rains.
According to SBCA officials, most of these buildings are century-old constructions, many dating back to the pre-Partition era. The majority are concentrated in Karachi’s older neighborhoods and densely populated city centers, where residents — despite the warnings — remain unwilling to vacate.
“These buildings are no longer safe for human habitation, especially under the weight of monsoon rains,” said SBCA Director General Muhammad Ishaq Khuhro. He emphasized that water seepage, weakened foundations, and the risk of short circuits causing fires make the situation even more dangerous.
Families Caught Between Safety and Survival
A significant number of the residents still living in these precarious structures are descendants of migrants from 1947, who settled in these buildings after Partition. For many, these homes are all they’ve ever known — and in the absence of affordable alternatives, they remain where they are, despite the growing danger.
“Yes, we are scared,” said one resident of a crumbling apartment block in Saddar, “but where will we go? These buildings are in the heart of the city, close to schools, hospitals, and our jobs.”
Emergency Measures and Public Appeals
To tackle any potential emergencies, the SBCA has activated 24/7 Rain Emergency Centres at its Karachi headquarters and in Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, and Larkana. These centers, staffed by technical teams working in three shifts, are tasked with ensuring immediate response in case of building collapses or other rain-related incidents.
An awareness campaign is also underway in high-risk zones, involving loudspeaker announcements, banners, and community outreach, urging residents to leave the buildings immediately.
“Every year, we see tragic incidents during the monsoon because of unsafe buildings. We are doing everything in our power to prevent loss of life,” said DG Khuhro.
Coordination with Rescue Services
The SBCA has assured that it is working in close coordination with rescue services, local administration, and utility companies to ensure a swift response should any disaster strike. Officials are also maintaining regular checks on previously marked buildings to monitor signs of structural deterioration.
“This is a final appeal to residents living in declared hazardous buildings,” the SBCA reiterated. “Your lives are at stake — please evacuate immediately.”
As Karachi braces for another unpredictable monsoon, the looming question remains: Will this year be different, or will history tragically repeat itself?
