14 perish as massive storms pummel Punjab

Express Tribune

25-05-2025

As hail hammers down, a man scrambles to protect his car, mirroring scenes from the last tempest that left citizens in Islamabad counting heavy losses. PHOTO: ONLINE
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Nature unleashed its wrath on Saturday as a sudden onslaught of storms and fierce winds tore through several cities, leaving at least 14 dead and over 92 injured in Punjab alone.
The violent weather threw daily life into chaos, grounding flights, snapping power lines and prompting rain emergencies across multiple urban centres.
According to a report issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab, the fatalities occurred in Rawalpindi (1), Jhelum (2), Sheikhupura (1), Nankana Sahib (1), Lahore (3), Layyah (1), Jhang (1) and Sialkot (1), mostly due to the collapse of dilapidated structures and falling debris.
Multiple mud houses were also damaged in storm-hit areas, the PDMA confirmed.
Rescue operations were ramped up across Punjab, with Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed directing all commissioners, deputy commissioners, and rescue agencies, including Rescue 1122, to remain on high alert.
"Affected families will receive financial compensation under the Punjab government's policy," PDMA Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said, adding that all district emergency operation centres and the provincial control room have been activated for round-the-clock monitoring.
Kathia urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather, stay clear of power poles and hanging wires and ensure children do not venture near damaged buildings.
"During lightning and storm activity, stay indoors and off rooftops," he advised. In case of emergencies, citizens were urged to contact PDMA via helpline 1129.
Flight disruptions
The storm severely impacted flight operations at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport.
Several flights were either delayed, diverted, or cancelled due to strong winds and low visibility.
A Karachi-bound private airline flight was rerouted to Multan, while flights arriving from Skardu (PK-454) and Guangzhou (CZ-6037) were cancelled.
Another incoming flight from Karachi (9P-84) returned to its point of origin mid-air.
Flights departing for Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur experienced delays, while three domestic flights to Karachi were also held up. However, as weather conditions improved later in the day, air traffic resumed.
Air traffic controllers cleared both domestic and international flights for landing and takeoff.
LESCO alert
In the wake of the severe storm, Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) declared a red alert across its network. Field teams were dispatched to restore electricity in affected areas.
"The storm caused significant stress on the grid," LESCO CEO Engineer Muhammad Ramzan Butt said.
Butt was present at the control room alongside GM Operations Ijaz Bhatti and senior engineers.
Materials were dispatched from stores to aid repair work, and Butt vowed to remain in the control room until power was restored to the last affected consumer.
Meanwhile, the Motorway Police reported intense storms and overcast skies across sections of M-4, M-5 and the National Highway. Light showers and strong winds were reported from Pindi Bhattian to Abdul Hakeem and from Multan to Rahim Yar Khan.
Similar conditions were seen from Lahore to Chichawatni and onward to Lodhran.
Authorities urged motorists to drive cautiously, maintain safe distances between vehicles and avoid speeding.
A special public awareness campaign on safe driving during storms is currently being run by the Motorway Police in Central Region.
K-P
Similarly, the PDMA in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa issued an alert forecasting rain and thunderstorms in most districts, including Chitral, Swat, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Peshawar, Kohat and Waziristan.
The inclement weather is expected to continue intermittently through Sunday (today).
Authorities have been instructed to remain vigilant, ensure the availability of machinery for debris clearance, and issue safety advisories in local languages.
Farmers have been advised to factor in weather conditions while planning activities, and tourists have been urged to check updates before traveling. The PDMA helpline 1700 remains active for public assistance.
In Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the storm marked a dramatic end to an extended heatwave.
By late morning, dark clouds engulfed the skies and strong winds swept through the twin cities, followed by heavy rain and hailstorms.
Temperatures dropped significantly, and power outages were reported in several areas. A rain emergency was declared in Rawalpindi to manage the aftermath.