A powerful windstorm followed by heavy rain struck Punjab, causing significant damage and claiming at least 13 lives, while over 90 people were injured, according to an initial report from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) released on Sunday.
The fatalities were mostly the result of collapsed buildings and accidents involving people caught in dangerous areas during the storm. Several districts reported incidents involving uprooted trees, falling solar panels, and damage to property and infrastructure.
Among the victims, three people died in Jhelum, two each in Lahore and Sialkot, and one each in Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and other towns affected by the storm.
Out of the 92 reported injuries, 41 were directly linked to storm-related incidents, as confirmed by the PDMA.
In response, PDMA issued safety guidelines, urging the public to stay indoors during storms and to keep children away from old or unsafe buildings. For emergencies, residents can contact the PDMA by dialing its helpline “1129.”
While Punjab bore the brunt of the storm, rainfall was also recorded in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir, which brought a temporary drop in temperatures and a short break from the heat.