17 Aug 2018 | 07:31 PM UTC
Pakistan: Major power outage ongoing in Karachi August 17-18
Ongoing power blackout in several areas of 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.