15 Dead, 90 Injured as Violent Storms Batter Punjab: PDMA

New Desk 

Islamabad: At least 15 people lost their lives and over 90 others were injured after a powerful windstorm accompanied by torrential rain wreaked havoc across Punjab, according to a preliminary report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Sunday.

The report revealed that the majority of the fatalities occurred due to the collapse of unsafe structures and citizens being exposed to hazardous conditions during the storm. Incidents of uprooted trees, torn solar panels, and widespread infrastructure damage were reported from multiple districts.

Casualty figures included three deaths in Jhelum, two each in Lahore and Sialkot, and one each in Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and other affected cities. A total of 92 injuries were reported, with 41 specifically linked to storm-related accidents.

In Lahore, the storm hit on Saturday afternoon as dark clouds covered the sky and strong winds caused widespread power outages. Trees were uprooted across the city, and temporary structures, including booths at Gaddafi Stadium, suffered damage. The storm also brought down searchlight poles, forcing the cancellation of a practice session between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators.

Heavy rainfall followed the windstorm in Lahore and surrounding areas, while similar incidents were reported in Multan, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Attock. On the M2 Motorway near Kallar Kahar, traffic was temporarily suspended due to poor visibility and storm-related hazards.

In Sialkot and nearby districts, rooftop solar panels were ripped away by high winds, highlighting the storm’s intensity. Rescue 1122 confirmed 10 fatalities across various storm-related incidents, with structural collapses identified as the primary cause of death.

Emergency Response Underway

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed has directed all commissioners, deputy commissioners, and emergency services to stay on high alert. He called for immediate medical care for the injured and announced that financial compensation would be provided to affected families as per government policy.

The PDMA confirmed that its provincial control room and all district emergency operation centers are operating around the clock. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors, particularly away from electric poles and loose wiring.

The authority also issued safety guidelines, urging the public to avoid staying outdoors during thunderstorms and to keep children away from old or unstable buildings. In case of emergency, residents can contact PDMA’s helpline at 1129.

Rain Extends to Other Regions

While Punjab was the hardest hit, rainfall was also reported in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir. The downpour led to a significant drop in temperatures, offering brief relief from the summer heat.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast continued unsettled weather in the region over the next 24 hours.