PDMA issues wind, rain alert in Punjab

LAHORE:As torrential rains and violent thunderstorms battered Punjab, at least 18 people lost their lives and 110 others were injured in rain-related incidents, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed on Monday.

According to PDMA DG Irfan Ali Kathia, 124 incidents of structural collapse were reported across the province so far, with nearly 80 percent of them linked to unsafe rooftop solar panel installations.

‘We welcome the shift towards solar energy, but installations must be secure to prevent such tragedies,’ Kathia stated. In response to the ongoing weather system, Provincial Disaster Management Authority has issued a wind and rain alert for most districts of Punjab from May 27 to 31.

Rain accompanied by strong and dusty winds is expected in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Chakwal, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujrat, Jhelum, and Gujranwala. Showers are also predicted in Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Okara, Faisalabad, Toba Tek Singh, Jhang, Khushab, Sargodha, and Mianwali. In South Punjab, Multan, Dera Ghazi Khan, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar may experience rainfall from May 27 to 30.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority has alerted all relevant departments—including school education, health, irrigation, communications, local government, and livestock—to remain vigilant as per the directions of the chief minister. The rain is expected to bring relief from the prevailing heatwave.

Citizens are advised to stay indoors during windstorms, avoid unnecessary travel, and not venture under open skies during thunderstorms. In case of emergency, the public can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129. Furthermore, PDMA has urged the Punjab government to issue clear guidelines for the proper installation of solar panels.

In a formal letter, the authority highlighted that 70 per cent of the human losses were caused by the collapse of poorly installed solar structures. The letter called for the immediate implementation of safety standards, use of certified materials, and mandatory approval from competent authorities for all future installations.

PDMA has also proposed a survey of existing solar structures and the development of maintenance protocols to ensure public safety and the sustainable growth of solar energy in the province.