Karachi:
Two blocks of a complex of residential apartments in Gulistan-E-Jauhar, block 10, partially sunk on the ground on Tuesday morning, leaving around 300 homeless residents and forced to live under the open sky. Preliminary findings have attributed the incident deeply distressing to the possible erosion of the soil caused by a nearby drain.
The Control Authority of the Sindh (SBCA) building sealed the C and D blocks of the affected building, known as Yasir Terrace, declaring them insecure to live. Residents have been forbidden to re -enter the floors to recover essential belongings, despite generalized appeals.
The displaced residents, including women, children and the elderly, are camping outdoors within the facilities of the residential complex, without any official support or relief of the government. So far no temporary refuge, food or medical assistance has been provided, although a well-being organization, the Al-Khidmat Foundation, has intervened to provide clean water and food to affected families.
He said that Akbar, a resident of the building, expressed his anguish for the situation. “We are not left with nothing. The authorities have sealed our houses and they do not let us collect essential articles. It is raining and we are sitting under the sky, where are we supposed to go? He said to Express PAkGazette.
According to the initial accounts, the incident occurred around 5:30 am on Tuesday when a strong explosion surprised Yasir Terrace residents. Panic residents left their floors, fearing an earthquake. Shortly after, the ground floor of blocks C and D began to sink, causing visible cracks and structural damage. The windows broke and parts of the buildings were bent under pressure.
“The residents had complained about gas leaks for days. It is still too early to confirm whether the collapse was due to a gas explosion or the weakening of the foundations caused by adjacent drainage,” said Muhammad Ashfaq, a member of the Yasir Terrace Trade Union Committee Phase 2.
After the incident, rescue 1122, the police and the local officials responded quickly. The Building Control Authority of Sindh (SBCA) sealed both buildings after a technical inspection, and the police assured the site. The assistant commissioner Syed Aamir confirmed that the fast water flow probably weakened the foundations. Residents can recover belongings only after formal authorization.
Although blocks A and B seem stable, more inspection is needed. More than 70 nearby houses were evacuated due to continuous rain and visible damage of the earth. A nearby path has also been compromised.
Displaced families urge Sindh’s government to provide temporary refuge.
