KARACHI – The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has declared 740 buildings across the province unsafe ahead of the monsoon season, with 588 of these structures located in Karachi alone. The authority warned that these dangerously old buildings pose a serious threat of collapse during heavy rainfall.
Fresh evacuation notices have been issued, urging residents to vacate immediately. However, many occupants refuse to leave, arguing that the central locations of these buildings give them vital access to jobs, transport, and health services, making relocation difficult.
A large number of these residents are families of 1947 migrants who continue to live in inherited homes due to financial limitations. Many of these structures are over a century old and have not undergone major repairs or upgrades in decades.
To prepare for possible emergencies, SBCA has set up 24/7 Rain Emergency Centres at its Karachi headquarters and regional offices in Hyderabad, Sukkur, Mirpurkhas, and Larkana. These centres are managed by trained technical teams working in three shifts, ready to respond swiftly to any building collapse or weather-related disaster.
The SBCA has also launched an awareness campaign using loudspeakers and banners in high-risk neighborhoods. Director General Muhammad Ishaq Khuhro warned that rainwater weakens already fragile foundations, and electrical short circuits in wet buildings could lead to fires, putting lives at even greater risk.
In a final appeal, the SBCA urged residents to prioritize safety and evacuate immediately. The authority assured full coordination with rescue teams and local departments to deal with any emergencies during the upcoming monsoon spell.