14 killed, dozens injured as storm wreaks havoc in Punjab

LAHORE: At least 14 people were killed and 45 injured on Saturday in storm-related incidents across Punjab, with most deaths caused by collapse of dilapidated buildings and exposure to unsafe structures, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed.

It further detailed that three deaths occurred in Jhelum, while Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sialkot, and Mianwali each saw one fatality. The PDMA said that financial assistance would be given to the affected families. Amid the storm, several incidents of fallen trees and damage to solar panels were also reported in Lahore.

Meanwhile, rescue officials said at least 10 people were killed and 51 injured in Lahore besides other areas of the province.

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the administration and rescue teams to stay alert, citing heavy rains and storms across the province. She also took notice of several flooded low-lying areas and issued directives to officers to take emergency steps.

A day ago, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued a weather advisory, warning of isolated showers, thunderstorms, windstorms, and dust storms expected over the next 12 to 36 hours in parts of Punjab, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant, secure loose objects, and avoid unnecessary outdoor travel during severe weather conditions.

The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) of NDMA had issued an impact-based advisory, warning that strong winds and thunderstorms could uproot weak trees and lead to temporary power outages.

The vulnerable areas included Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Mianwali, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore, Narowal, and surrounding regions.

Meanwhile, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, isolated rainfall, windstorms, thunderstorms, and dust storms are forecast over the next 12 to 36 hours, impacting various districts such as Chitral, Battagram, Kohistan, Kohat, Kurram, Bannu, Mardan, Peshawar, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, Mohmand, and nearby areas.