Karachi rains leave 'nine dead'

Heavy rain has affected many parts of Pakistan

Heavy rain has left at least nine people dead in the Pakistani city of Karachi, officials say.

Seven of the victims were children. Three of them were crushed to death when their house collapsed while the others drowned in floods.

Karachi has been hit by heavy rain since the weekend.

It has led to suspension of public transport and has also led to power breakdowns in many parts of the city, officials say.

"This has multiplied our problems, as we are unable to clear water off the roads," Karachi Mayor Syed Mustafa Kamal is quoted as saying by Reuters.

Heavy rain has also hit other parts of Pakistan, leaving at least 20 people dead in recent weeks and damaging crops.