Storms Cause Fatalities and Injuries Across Punjab

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has verified that eight individuals have died and 45 sustained injuries due to various storm-related incidents throughout the province on Saturday.

According to the PDMA spokesperson’s preliminary report, most casualties resulted from the collapse of unstable buildings and exposure to hazardous structures.

The report indicated that Jhelum experienced three fatalities, while Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sialkot, and Mianwali each reported one death.

Reports from Lahore detailed several instances of fallen trees and damage inflicted upon solar panels as a result of the storm.

The PDMA affirmed that financial aid will be provided to the impacted families. Punjab’s Chief Minister, Maryam Nawaz, has instructed administrative and rescue teams to maintain a state of readiness in response to the heavy rainfall and storms affecting the province.

She also addressed the issue of several submerged low-lying areas and directed officials to implement immediate relief measures.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had issued a weather advisory the previous day, forecasting isolated showers, thunderstorms, windstorms, and dust storms within the next 12 to 36 hours across sections of Punjab, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Residents are advised to exercise caution, secure any unsecured items, and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities during periods of severe weather.

The NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) has released an impact-based advisory, warning that robust winds and thunderstorms may uproot fragile trees and potentially cause temporary power disruptions.

Dust storms present a hazard to vulnerable buildings, rooftops, vehicles, and electrical infrastructure. Furthermore, reduced visibility during storms can increase the probability of traffic accidents.

The at-risk regions encompass Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mianwali, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore, Narowal, and their surrounding areas.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, isolated rainfall, windstorms, thunderstorms, and dust storms are anticipated over the next 12 to 36 hours, affecting districts including Chitral, Battagram, Kohistan, Kohat, Kurram, Bannu, Mardan, Peshawar, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, Mohmand, and adjacent localities.