SBCA Starts Evacuation Drive From Dangerous Karachi Buildings

KARACHI: The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has started an evacuation drive at dangerous and weakened buildings across Karachi ahead of the monsoon season. Warning banners have been placed on highly unsafe structures, while announcements are being made through loudspeakers to alert residents about the risk and urge them to leave immediately.

The authority has asked people living in these buildings to vacate them to protect their lives and property. Residents of nearby areas have also been advised not to gather or remain close to the unstable structures.

Sources, however, said that no clear plan has yet been prepared for the safe evacuation of residents or for providing them with alternative housing.

According to an SBCA survey, 584 buildings across Karachi have been declared unsafe. Of these, 59 structures have been placed in the extremely dangerous category.

The authority said 29 of the extremely dangerous buildings are heritage properties, creating additional safety and preservation challenges.

More than 90 percent of Karachi’s unsafe buildings are located in District South. The survey identified 442 buildings in South, 73 in Central, 16 in East, 18 in Korangi, 28 in Keamari, five in Malir and two in District West.

The SBCA has urged residents to take the warnings seriously and move away from dangerous structures before the monsoon weather creates further risks.

Source: ARY News