Punjab Hit by Severe Storms: Fatalities and Injuries Reported

Lahore: Devastating rainstorms across Punjab have resulted in at least 18 deaths, with 110 individuals injured in various rain-related incidents, as confirmed by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Monday.

Irfan Ali Kathia, Director-General of PDMA Punjab, described the intense weather as “unforeseen” and “unexpected” during a morning broadcast. He stated that while substantial rainfall was predicted, the sheer force of the weather system exceeded anticipations.

Kathia noted that there have been 124 instances of building collapses documented throughout Punjab. The majority of these incidents involved rooftop solar panels that apparently lacked appropriate safety measures.

Solar Panel Installations Under Scrutiny

“Solar panels were implicated in approximately 80% of the structural failures. With only a few exceptions, these installations were the primary cause,” he disclosed. “While we embrace solar energy, it is essential that these systems are safely installed to avoid such calamities.”

Kathia advised the public to prepare for increasingly volatile weather conditions, highlighting the connection between rising temperatures and the surge in extreme weather occurrences.

“We are experiencing the impact of a 1°C to 1.5°C increase in global temperatures. This marks the second year in a row that we have noticed an abrupt 7°C spike during the summer, which has intensified heatwaves,” he explained.

He identified the Cholistan desert as particularly susceptible, emphasizing that managing heatwaves in this area is especially difficult because of the low population density and scarce water resources.

The government has implemented several initiatives to protect residents, such as improved water delivery and the implementation of early warning systems. However, Kathia emphasized the necessity of regional collaboration and the development of long-term strategies.

“Achieving a substantial decrease in temperature demands significant action, including afforestation, enhanced urban development, and collaborative initiatives throughout South Asia,” he concluded.