Punjab Hit by Deadly Storms, 15 Killed, Several Injured: PDMA

At least 15 people have died and over 90 others were injured across Punjab due to a severe storm followed by heavy rains, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported on Sunday.

Most fatalities occurred from the collapse of old buildings and people being in unsafe locations during the storm. Reports included fallen trees, solar panels ripped from rooftops, and widespread infrastructure damage across multiple districts.

Among the dead, three were in Jhelum, two each in Lahore and Sialkot, and one each in Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and other areas. Injuries numbered 92, with 41 caused by storm-related accidents in Punjab.

In Lahore, strong winds uprooted trees, caused power outages, and damaged booths at Gaddafi Stadium. Collapsing searchlight poles forced the cancellation of Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators’ practice. Heavy rains followed, affecting surrounding cities like Multan, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, and Attock. On the M2 Motorway near Kallar Kahar, traffic was briefly halted.

In Sialkot, rooftop solar panels were blown away, showing the storm’s strength. Rescue 1122 confirmed 10 deaths province-wide, mainly from structural collapses.

Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed ordered all agencies to stay alert, provide urgent medical help, and ensure financial aid for affected families. The PDMA control room and district emergency centers are monitoring the situation continuously. Citizens are advised to stay indoors, avoid travel, and keep away from power lines.

Rainfall also affected parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir, lowering temperatures and easing the summer heat. The meteorological department forecasts unsettled weather for the next 24 hours in the region.

Read More: Islamabad Weather Today: What to Expect from Morning to Night