At least 15 people lost their lives and over 100 others were injured in various parts of Punjab after a severe windstorm followed by torrential rains wreaked havoc across the province, according to a preliminary report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Sunday.
The PDMA report stated that most of the casualties occurred due to the collapse of dilapidated houses and citizens being present in unsafe locations during the storm. Multiple incidents of falling trees, solar panels being torn from rooftops, and infrastructure damage were reported from several districts.
Among the deceased, three fatalities were recorded in Jhelum, two each in Lahore and Sialkot, and one each in Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and other affected cities. The total number of injuries reported stood at 92, with 41 injuries specifically attributed to storm-related accidents, the PDMA confirmed.
In Lahore, dark clouds blanketed the sky on Saturday afternoon before strong winds lashed the city, causing widespread power outages. Several trees were uprooted, and booths at Gaddafi Stadium were reportedly damaged. Searchlight poles also collapsed, prompting the cancellation of the Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators’ practice session.
Heavy rainfall followed the storm in Lahore and its surrounding areas, while other cities including Multan, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Attock also reported storm-related incidents. On the M2 Motorway near Kallar Kahar, traffic was temporarily halted due to adverse weather conditions.
In Sialkot and other areas, solar panels installed on rooftops were blown away, further indicating the strength of the storm. Rescue 1122 reported that a total of 10 people had died in different incidents across the province, reiterating that structural collapses were the primary cause of fatalities.
Emergency measures ordered
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed has directed all commissioners, deputy commissioners, and rescue agencies across the province to remain on high alert.
He emphasized the need for immediate medical assistance to those injured and directed that financial compensation would be disbursed to affected families in accordance with the provincial government’s policy.
DG PDMA stated that the provincial control room and all district emergency operation centers are functioning around the clock to monitor the situation. Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors, away from electric poles and dangling wires.
The PDMA also issued safety guidelines, advising the public to avoid staying under the open sky during thunderstorms, and to keep children away from old or damaged buildings. In case of emergency, citizens are advised to contact PDMA’s helpline 1129.
Rain spreads beyond Punjab
While Punjab bore the brunt of the storm, rainfall was also reported in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir, contributing to a noticeable drop in temperatures and bringing brief relief from the summer heat.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast continued unsettled weather in the region over the next 24 hours.
