LAHORE:At least 14 people lost their lives and 92 were injured in rain related incidents as dust storms and thunderstorms lashed in various cities of Punjab.
Strong winds and heavy rainfall caused damage in the federal capital, with hail also reported.
Water entered houses in Abpara, and the water level rose in Nala Lai, prompting authorities to impose a rain emergency in Rawalpindi.
In Lahore, a dust storm followed by rain led to widespread power outages. Several trees were uprooted, searchlight poles fell at Gaddafi Stadium, and multiple booths were blown away, resulting in the cancellation of a planned practice session between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators.
Chakwal also faced disruptions as the storm forced authorities to close a section of the M-2 motorway near Kallar Kahar for several hours
Cities including Multan, Hafizabad, Gujranwala, Attock, and Sialkot experienced blackouts and strong winds that blew away solar panels at several sites.
The other districts that were affected by storm include Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and Mianwali.
Rescue officials attributed the casualties to the collapse of dilapidated structures and other storm-related accidents.
According to the PDMA, most deaths occurred due to building collapses and unexpected accidents at unsafe locations.
The storm caused great damage to mud houses, trees, and solar panels, worsening the crisis.
On the directives of Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed, authorities are ensuring instant and top-notch medical assistance for the injured.
Moreover, commissioners, deputy commissioners, and rescue teams across Punjab are also on high alert to mitigate the situation effectively.
Emergency operation centres in all districts are activated, and PDMA’s control room is monitoring 24 hours to evaluate the developing situation.
The government has assured that financial assistance will be given to affected families in the Punjab storm disaster, as per Punjab’s disaster relief policy.
Meanwhile, in Jhelum, three people lost their lives due to wall collapses, and several others sustained injuries in separate incidents.
Authorities have urged residents to avoid coming out of their homes, touching electric poles and dangling wires, and to report any emergency to local rescue teams, assuring that the PDMA’s teams are monitoring around the clock to control any unforeseen situations.
In a separate incident, a private airline flight en route from Karachi to Lahore faced extreme turbulence after entering a powerful windstorm.
According to reports, the aircraft remained caught in the storm for several minutes, causing panic among passengers, many of whom were heard reciting verses during the terrifying ordeal.
The PDMA said compensation would be provided to the affected families in accordance with Punjab government policy.
In KP, similar conditions were reported. A dust storm hit Peshawar, while rain was recorded in Malakand, Abbottabad, Mardan, Charsadda, and Mansehra.
In Swat, flooding entered homes and shops, and hailstorms damaged crops and orchards.
In AJK, rain affected several areas, including Neelum Valley and Muzaffarabad. Flooding led to the closure of Sharea Neelum at Badiyan Seri.
