Islamabad: At least 19 people have lost their lives and more than 90 have been injured due to severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall affecting various parts of Pakistan. The storms have also caused widespread power outages and significant damage to property.
According to reports, heavy rains, hailstorms, and strong winds in Islamabad led to water accumulation in low-lying areas and the uprooting of trees at several locations.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, hailstorms and strong winds damaged crops and power transmission lines. While no casualties were reported in the province, over 113 power feeders tripped, resulting in extended power outages. Areas most affected included Peshawar, Mardan, Khyber, Swabi, Swat, and Abbottabad.
The highest number of fatalities occurred in Punjab. According to data from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and Rescue 1122, three deaths each were reported in Lahore and Jhelum, two each in Sialkot and Muzaffargarh, and one death each in Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Attock, Multan, Rajanpur, Hafizabad, Mianwali, Jhang, and Layyah. Most fatalities were caused by collapsing walls or roofs.
Rescue officials reported that in Sheikhupura, a factory roof collapse resulted in one death and five injuries. In Rawalpindi’s Fauji Colony, an elderly man died after a wall collapsed on him. In Jand, Attock, a child lost his life in a similar incident.
Director General Irfan Ali Kathia has instructed all deputy commissioners and rescue agencies to remain on high alert. Meanwhile, Motorway Police closed several sections of the motorways including M2 and M3, as well as the Lahore-Sialkot section, due to safety concerns.
In southern Punjab, the Multan Electric Power Company (MEPCO) confirmed that power supply was disrupted in multiple areas following damage to power grids. In Lahore, WASA deployed its machinery to drain water from submerged low-lying areas.
While Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reported no fatalities, the region suffered considerable damage to crops, trees, and electricity infrastructure. According to PESCO, over 113 feeders tripped, causing prolonged outages in several areas.
Storms and hail in Swat, Mardan, Peshawar, Khyber, Abbottabad, and Mansehra led to flooding in low-lying areas. In Mingora, students were forced to sit for exams in darkness due to the blackout.
The Meteorological Department has forecast more rain and windstorms on Sunday, urging citizens in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to exercise caution.
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed assured that medical aid is being provided to the injured and that relief efforts are ongoing in affected areas. Authorities have also urged the public to avoid unnecessary travel and stay updated with weather alerts.
