In a startling development, a ground-plus-four residential building in Gulistan-e-Jauhar Block 10, Karachi, has been declared unsafe after it began sinking into the ground. Visible cracks have appeared in the walls and floors, forcing authorities to take urgent action to protect residents.

SBCA Seals Tower D of Yasir Terrace

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) moved swiftly to seal Tower D of Yasir Terrace after engineers confirmed that the structure posed immediate risks. Nearly 300 residents were evacuated from Blocks C and D, with families rushing to gather their belongings and leave the premises.

Officials reported that the building’s ground floor had already sunk noticeably, while balconies collapsed under the strain of shifting foundations. These alarming developments left residents with little time to vacate, creating scenes of panic and distress in the area.

Overflowing Nullah Blamed for Structural Weakness

Preliminary assessments indicate that a nearby nullah, which overflowed during recent heavy rains, significantly worsened the building’s structural damage. The constant seepage of water is believed to have weakened the soil and foundations, leading to the sinking and visible cracks.

Experts pointed out that Karachi’s recurring problem of inadequate drainage infrastructure often contributes to such crises, with waterlogging undermining building stability in densely populated neighborhoods like Gulistan-e-Jauhar.

Families Forced to Relocate in Urgency

Residents described the sudden evacuation as traumatic, with many families hurriedly packing furniture, appliances, and personal belongings. Neighbors assisted one another as the evacuation unfolded late into the evening.

For some, leaving their homes meant abandoning decades of savings invested in apartments, while others expressed anger at authorities for allowing unsafe construction near vulnerable drainage channels. Many residents voiced concerns about where they would be accommodated in the immediate future.

Urban Safety Concerns Resurface

The incident has once again highlighted urban safety concerns in Karachi, where rapid construction, weak regulation, and aging infrastructure often combine to create hazards for residents. Authorities have faced criticism for delayed inspections and insufficient monitoring of high-density housing projects.

While SBCA officials have assured that investigations are underway, urban planners stress the urgent need for better drainage systems, stricter construction laws, and routine safety audits to prevent further tragedies in the city’s residential sectors.