Lightning strikes kill 25 in Punjab, Balochistan

Lightning strikes accompanied by heavy rains Saturday claimed the lives of at least 25 people in Punjab and Balochistan provinces, reported 24NewsHd TV channel.

In Punjab alone, 17 people succumbed to the deadly strikes, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA).

Lightning struck multiple areas including Muzaffargarh, Rahimyar Khan, Rajanpur, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar.

Heart-wrenching accounts emerged from the Faqeer Wali area near Haroonabad, where a father and his two sons lost their lives, while the mother and another son sustained injuries. Rescue 1122 confirmed nine fatalities in Faqeer Wali, with reports of further casualties in Bahawalpur and Lodhran.

In another tragic incident, a family consisting of a husband, wife, and their two children perished in Rahim Yar Khan city. The unfortunate couple was identified as Muhammad Hafeez and Kalsoom Bibi who were struck by rain while they were busy cutting crops of wheat to save them from rain

In Rahim Yar Khan district, two children died in Basti Kalwar, one person in Thul Hassan, a farmer in Khan Bela and a shepherd in Mari Allah due to lightning.

Another person died in Khairpur Daha and an eight-year-old child in Chak-113 area of Bahawalpur district by lightning. A woman was killed in a similar incident in Lodhran.

In Balochistan, eight individuals fell victim to the strikes following torrential rainfall. Reports indicate two fatalities each from Surab and Chaman districts, with additional casualties reported from Qilla Abdullah, Dera Bugti, Muslim Bagh, and Pishin.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his condolences to the families affected by the lightning events in both provinces. He called upon the PDMA and relevant authorities to extend every possible support to the bereaved families.

Following the tragedy, Irfan Ali Kathia, Director General of PDMA, reached out to the deputy commissioners of the affected districts, urging prompt and effective medical aid for the victims. Kathia also pledged financial assistance to the bereaved families affected by the natural disaster.

He also expressed regret over the loss of lives and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in mitigating natural disasters. He emphasised the need for heightened public awareness and adherence to safety measures during adverse weather conditions.

The tragic events unfolded against the backdrop of warnings issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasting thunderstorms and rain across the country.

The PMD's Early Warning Centre had forewarned about consecutive western disturbances, lasting until April 15.

Meanwhile, the weather became cold because of hailstorm in Washuk, Khuzdar, Surab, Kalat, Mastung, Nushki, Bolan and Pashin. Whereas Nushki, Kolpur and Mastung experienced rain with thunder and lightning.

Rainwater drains are feared to get flooded soon as Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Mosakhel, Kohlu, Sibbi, Jhal Magsi, Loralai, Ziarat, Quetta, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Lasbela, Qalat, Khuzdar, Ziarat, Muslim Bagh, Turbat, Harnai, Naseerabad, Jafferabad, Chaghi, Panjgur, Gwadar and Ketch experienced intermitted heavy rains and the districts are expected to receive more in next 48 hours.

On the other hand, the spokesperson of the Balochistan government said instructions have been issued to all commissioners and deputy commissioners viewing the unusual rains and weather conditions in the province.

The district disaster management authorities have been alerted while Chief Minister Sardar Sarfaraz Bugti has ordered action to remove encroachments from all natural drainage channels, he said.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said more rain was expected in Kohlu, Quetta, Zhob, Sherani, Barkhan, Mosakhel, Sibbi, Jhal Magsi, Chaman, Pishin, Qila Abdullah, Qila Saifullah, Lasbela, Qalat Khuzdar, Ketch, Harnai, Nasirabad, Jafirabad, Chaghi, Panjgur and Gawadar.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Jahanzaib Khan said Hamidabad area of Pishin has been flooded after rain.

At least 15 houses were destroyed in the flood, while people were being evacuated to a safe location, he said.

Khan said two PDMA teams and heavy machinery had been dispatched to the affected area.

The PMD said Zhob received 40mm rain, Quetta 22mm, Barkhan 9mm and Panjgur 1mm during the last 24 hours.