A series of fatal lightning strikes claimed the lives of at least 25 individuals across different areas of Punjab and Balochistan, while heavy rainfall also inundated various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), leading to flooding in low-lying areas.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Punjab, the lightning incidents predominantly occurred in Multan, Rahim Yar Khan, Rajanpur, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar districts. In Balochistan, four fatalities were reported due to lightning strikes, with two each in Chaman and Sorab areas, and one each in Qila Abdullah, Muslim Bagh, Pishin, and Dera Bugti districts.
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The PDMA issued directives for immediate medical treatment for those affected by rain-related incidents and urged the drainage of water from low-lying areas. In Punjab, light rain and drizzling were experienced in various cities, including Lahore, providing relief from the intense heat.
In Balochistan, flash floods caused by heavy rainfall wreaked havoc, washing away a damaged bridge in Quetta’s Chashma Achozai area and suspending traffic. Several vehicles were affected, and numerous houses were damaged in districts such as Kalat, Mastung, Gwadar, Pishin, and Qila Abdullah. The PDMA declared an emergency across the province, with Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti directing concerned departments to intensify rescue and relief efforts.
In K-P, including Peshawar, heavy rains led to water accumulation in low-lying areas, affecting traffic and causing difficulties for residents. A key road in Chitral was swept away, suspending traffic between Chitral and Peshawar, while rainfall damaged a house and injured a child. The Meteorological Department recorded significant rainfall in various districts, with forecasts indicating continued rain and snowfall until April 15.
Moreover, electricity supply was disrupted in many areas of K-P due to rain, with numerous PESCO feeders tripped. Field staff are actively working to restore power, with repair work already completed on several feeders.
