LAHORE: At least 14 people lost their lives and 45 others were injured in Punjab as a powerful storm swept across the province on Saturday, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported. Most fatalities were caused by collapsing structures and unsafe buildings, with three deaths confirmed in Jhelum. One fatality each was reported from Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sialkot, and Mianwali.
In Lahore and nearby regions, rescue officials confirmed that 10 people were killed and at least 51 sustained injuries in storm-related incidents. Damage included uprooted trees and broken solar panels, further highlighting the storm’s destructive impact.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz instructed local administrations and rescue services to remain on high alert as severe weather conditions continue. She also ordered emergency measures in response to flooding in several low-lying areas.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had earlier issued a weather alert, predicting thunderstorms, windstorms, and isolated showers over the next 12 to 36 hours across Punjab, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). Citizens were advised to stay indoors, secure loose items, and exercise caution during adverse weather.
The NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) warned that strong winds could uproot trees and lead to temporary power outages. Vulnerable areas identified included major cities such as Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, and Gujranwala, along with several others across Punjab.
Similar weather patterns are forecast in KP, affecting districts like Peshawar, Mardan, Kohat, Abbottabad, and Charsadda, where windstorms, dust storms, and isolated rain are expected in the coming hours.
