At least 34 people have tragically lost their lives, while approximately 150 others have sustained injuries in various accidents caused by heavy rains and strong winds in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, according to reports.
Fatalities in Bannu District
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has reported that in the district of Bannu alone, heavy rains have resulted in 15 fatalities and 100 injuries due to incidents of roofs and walls collapsing.
Losses in Lakki Marwat and Kirk
Furthermore, the PDMA has indicated that in Lakki Marwat, five individuals have perished, and more than 42 have been injured as a result of collapsing roofs. In Kirk district, four deaths have been reported, along with one injury caused by house walls collapsing.
Casualties and Ongoing Relief Operations
Hospital sources have revealed that among the casualties in Lakki Marwat, three children, a man, and a woman have lost their lives. The Director General of Rescue 1122 has assured ongoing relief operations in the affected areas, with the injured being promptly transported to hospitals for treatment.
Damage and Relief Efforts
The PDMA has also reported partial damage to 69 houses due to the intense rains and storms. As a response, an allocation of 40 million Pakistani rupees has been made to support relief efforts and aid those affected by the inclement weather.
Tragedies in Punjab
In Punjab, three girls were killed when a wall collapsed due to strong winds and rain in Noorpur Thal city, Khushab district. Additionally, ten people were injured in accidents caused by the stormy weather in Gujranwala.
Weather Turmoil in Lahore
Lahore experienced a sudden change in weather, with the temperature dropping significantly and strong winds accompanied by heavy rain in the evening. Wind speeds reached up to 111 kilometers per hour, resulting in power outages in 80 Lesco feeders. Flight operations were also affected, with restrictions on landing imposed.
Continued Incidents in Faisalabad and Mianwali
Tragic incidents continued in Faisalabad, where a young man was fatally electrocuted during the rain in the Razaabad area. In Kharrianwala, a person sustained injuries after a house roof collapsed. Mianwali city in Punjab witnessed three fatalities and two injuries caused by accidents resulting from the strong winds and rain. Additionally, a girl lost her life when a house wall collapsed near Wandhi Ibrahimabad on Sargodha Road. Rescue sources have reported one fatality and three injuries due to a house wall collapsing in Kot Hasan Khan following heavy rain.
Prime Minister’s Response and Preemptive Measures
Expressing deep sorrow, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended condolences and sympathies to the families of the deceased. The Prime Minister has directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) to ensure immediate relief and rehabilitation measures in the affected areas. Furthermore, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed members and workers of the Muslim League (N) to actively participate in relief activities and has requested a comprehensive report within 24 hours detailing the relief efforts and damages incurred. Considering the approaching Cyclone ‘Biperjoy,’ the Prime Minister has further emphasized the importance of taking preemptive emergency measures.
(Islamabad51-Newsdesk)
