Pakistan: Major power outage ongoing in Karachi August 17-18

Event

Several areas of Karachi were left without power late on Friday, August 17. Preliminary reports indicate that the power outage is related to extra-high tension (EHT) wires tripping. As of 00:00 (local time) on Saturday, August 18, electric utility workers were reportedly working to restore power. Affected areas reportedly include the Defence Housing Authority, Clifton, Saddar, Lyari, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Gulistan-e-Johar, Nazimabad, North Karachi, Malir, Landhi and Korangi. It is unclear when power will be fully restored to all affected areas.

Context

Karachi experienced a similar power outage on August 11-12, which reportedly lasted over seven hours in some locales.

Advice

Individuals in Karachi are advised to monitor developments to the situation and keep battery-operated devices fully charged whenever possible. Be on guard in due to possible traffic hazards caused by non-functional traffic lights and keep in mind that crime rates tend to rise after nightfall in areas without street lighting.