A fierce windstorm followed by heavy rainfall swept across Punjab, causing widespread destruction and leaving at least 13 people dead and over 90 injured, according to a preliminary assessment released by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Sunday.
The report attributes most fatalities to collapsing structures and accidents involving individuals caught in hazardous areas during the storm. Incidents involving falling trees, dislodged solar panels, and damaged infrastructure were reported in several districts.
The breakdown of casualties includes three deaths in Jhelum, two each in Lahore and Sialkot, and one fatality reported in Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and other affected towns.
A total of 92 injuries have been documented, with 41 linked directly to storm-related incidents, as confirmed by the PDMA.
PDMA has also released a set of safety advisories, warning the public to remain indoors during thunderstorms and to keep children away from aging or damaged buildings. In emergencies, residents can reach help via PDMA’s 1129 helpline.
Though Punjab was the hardest hit, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Kashmir also reported rainfall, leading to a temporary drop in temperatures and brief relief from the summer heat.