Lightning strikes claim two lives amid Balochistan's high alert for torrential rains

Two youths lost their lives after being struck by lightning in the Sorab area of Balochistan, reigniting concerns amidst a high alert issued for another spell of torrential rains, reported 24NewsHD TV channel Friday.

The incident occurred as three youths sought shelter in a garden in the Tanak area of Sorab.

The lightning strike resulted in the deaths of two youths, while one sustained injuries. The deceased and injured were swiftly transferred to DHQ Sorab for medical attention.

High alert amidst weather warnings

The tragedy unfolded amidst a backdrop of storm warnings issued across Balochistan. As Balochistan braces itself for further rainfall, authorities and residents remain vigilant, endeavouring to mitigate the potential impacts and prevent further loss of life and property.

A high alert was issued throughout Balochistan on Friday as a new system of westerly waves has entered the province with prediction of heavy rains and flash floods in 20 districts.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued the high alert along with a warning that heavy/torrential rains may generate flash floods in local nullahs of Dera Ghazi Khan, Lasbela, Kalat, Khuzdar, Ziarat, Kohlu, Barkhan, Zhob, Sherani, Muslim Bagh, Turbat, Harnai, Kohlu, Naseerabad, Jafarabad, Chagai, Panjgur, Gwadar and Ketch from 12th to 14 April.

Flooding may also occur in low-lying areas during the forecast period, the PDMA said and added that heavy rainfall may generate flash flooding in local nullahs/streams of Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Mansehra, tributaries of Kabul River, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from 13th to 15th April.

Chaman, Kalat hit by strong winds, rain

The new system of westerly waves hit the border town of Chaman on Friday with strong winds and rain lashing the city.

There was a powerful duststorm in Kalat city reducing the visibility to dangerously low levels and confining the people in their houses.

Pishin and Killa Abdullah were also hit by strong windstorms.

Synoptic Situation

A strong westerly wave is affecting western parts of the country that may grip most parts of the country on 13th April and may persist in upper parts till 15th April.

Friday

Mainly dry weather is expected in most parts of the country, while partly cloudy in upper areas. However, rain-windstorms/thunderstorms are likely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, south Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and adjoining hilly areas. Heavyfall/hailstorms are also likely at isolated places in eastern/northeastern Balochistan during the forecast period.

Saturday

Rain-windstorm/thunderstorms are likely in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, upper Sindh, Islamabad, Punjab, Gilgit-Baltistan, Kashmir and adjoining hilly areas. Heavyfall/hailstorm is also likely at isolated places in Balochistan and Punjab while, snowfall is expected in upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Past 24-hour weather

Dry weather prevailed in most parts of the country, while hot in southern parts. However, rain-wind/thunderstorms occurred in upper Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Samungli.

Rainfall(mm): Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Malam Jabba 17, Dir 05, Drosh 04, Pattan 03, Saidu Sharif, Kalam 02, Balochistan: Samungli 01.

Yesterday's Recorded Highest Maximum Temperature (°C): Khairpur, Shaheed Benazirabad 43, Padidan, Jacobabad 42.

Earlier, the Met Office informed that a westerly wave is likely to enter the upper parts of the country from 10th April followed by another strong westerly wave on 12th April that may grip most parts of the country on 13th April and persist till 15th April.

Possible Impacts and advises

• Heavy rainfall may generate flash flooding in local nullahs/Streams of Dir, Swat, Chitral, Kohistan, Manshera, Tributaries of Kabul River, Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir from 13th to 15th April.


• Possibility of landslides in Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Murree, Galiyat, Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan and may affect the vulnerable locations from 13th to 15th April.


• Windstorms/hailstorms and lightning may damage standing crops, loose structures like electric poles, vehicles and solar panels etc during the period.


• Farmers especially in wheat-harvested areas are advised to manage their crops according to weather conditions.


• Tourists are advised to avoid unnecessary travelling during the wet period.


• Temperatures are likely to drop during the wet spell.

It may be mentioned here that early last month, heavy rainfall wreaked havoc in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan, submerging the provincial capital and triggering a state of emergency declared by the PDMA.

The downpour had caused widespread disruption, with train services between Pakistan and Iran suspended and communication networks throughout Balochistan severely impacted.

Moreover, the onslaught of the deluge had led to significant challenges for residents, including shortages of gas and electricity, exacerbating the difficulties faced by the populace in their daily lives.

The inundation had severely hindered movement for residents, prompting frustration and inconvenience.

Reporter Essa Tarin