Heavy Rain Storm Claims at Least 8 Lives Across Punjab
At least 45 people injured, incidents of falling trees and damage to solar panels also reported.
In the past 24 hours, severe weather, including storms, heavy rain, and hail, has caused significant casualties across various districts of Punjab, resulting in at least eight deaths and 45 injuries.
According to the initial report from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), fatalities were reported from Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sialkot, and Mianwali, with one death in each district.
Jhelum suffered the highest loss of life with three people, including two men and one woman, killed, and 10 others injured.
In Rawalpindi, one man died and eight people, including a child, were injured due to collapsing walls.
Minor injuries were also reported in Murree, Attock, and Khushab, while Gujrat saw one injury and Gujranwala five, mostly caused by falling walls.
Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and Sialkot each reported one death caused by falling roofs or poles. Sialkot also recorded six injuries, including a woman and a child.
PDMA spokesperson stated that most deaths occurred due to the collapse of old or mud houses and the presence of people in unsafe locations. Stormy winds caused walls, roofs, trees, and solar panels to fall in many areas, increasing the number of injuries.
In Lahore, incidents of falling trees and damage to solar panels were reported. So far, there have been no reports of losses to livestock or crops.
DG PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia said the provincial control room and all district emergency operation centres have been put on alert, with 24-hour monitoring ongoing.
Authorities urged citizens to exercise caution during the bad weather, stay away from electric poles and hanging wires, seek shelter to avoid lightning, avoid staying in open areas, and refrain from unnecessary travel.
In case of emergencies, citizens can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.
