Torrential Rains Leave Trail of Death and Destruction
News Desk
Islamabad: Torrential rains accompanied by strong winds, thunderstorms and flash floods caused widespread destruction across several parts of Pakistan, killing multiple people, injuring dozens and damaging homes, mosques, roads and other infrastructure, officials said on Wednesday.
In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, lightning strikes and flash floods triggered by cloudbursts caused significant damage in several districts.
Two children were killed and three others injured in separate incidents in Bara Zakakhel and Lower Chitral. Authorities said 27 houses, two mosques, two shops and a bridge were also damaged.
In Upper Dir’s Wadi Dara area, lightning struck a madrassa, injuring 22 female students, who were shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
In Haripur, a six-year-old child was swept away by a fast-flowing stream, while in Mardan’s Darbokle area, two boys were injured after a wall collapsed during a windstorm.
Heavy rainfall also led to rising water levels in rivers and streams in Swat, Shangla and Bajaur, blocking several roads and disrupting traffic.
In Murree, a large tree fell on Upper Jhika Gali Road, causing a prolonged traffic jam.
In Punjab, heavy rains claimed three lives and injured five others in Attock after roofs and walls collapsed at different locations.
According to rescue officials, those killed included the wife of Ibadat, Ali Raza and Abdul Hadi. Rescue teams recovered the victims from the debris, while the injured were shifted to the District Headquarters Hospital for medical treatment.
Lahore also received heavy rainfall in several localities, including Gulberg, Johar Town, Defence and Model Town. The downpour disrupted electricity supply in many areas after multiple power feeders tripped.
Low-lying areas in Sharqpur Sharif, Kamunki, Phalia, Hafizabad and Mandi Bahauddin were inundated, while broken electricity wires sparked in the Ali Town area of Pindi Bhattian in Hafizabad, posing additional safety risks.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecast that the current spell of rain and thunderstorms will continue until July 6. It said rainfall is expected in northern Balochistan until July 4, while upper districts of Sindh are likely to receive rain on July 3 and 4.
Authorities have advised residents, particularly those living in low-lying and mountainous areas, to remain cautious due to the risk of flash floods, landslides and urban flooding. Additional input from national media.
