Change of weather: Three killed as thunderstorm hits Swabi

More than 20 injured, taken to different hospitals for treatment

SWABI: At least three people died, while more than 20 were injured as thunderstorm hit Swabi Sunday night.

While speaking to The Express Tribune, Deputy Commissioner Matiullah said, “Gusty winds and thunderstorm hit Razar and Chota Lahor.” He added, “The thunderstorm damaged maze and other crops.” The DC maintained that as a result of the calamity, Osama, a student of class nine, an elderly woman, and a child in Jalsai village lost their lives. He said three women and a child, Owais, were also admitted to District Headquarters Hospital Swabi for treatment of injuries. “More than 10 injured persons were shifted to Yar Hussain hospital and four to Chota Lahor hospital as they suffered fracture on arms, legs and ribs,” Matiullah said.

Earlier on Sunday, a thunderstorm hit Mardan and other parts of the region. At least five people were injured in Mardan. A weather system developed around Peshawar, its surrounding districts and Gilgit, with heavy breeze and light rainfall in some places. The five people were injured in three incidents, including those in which buildings collapsed due to thunderstorm that lashed the region. This was stated by Rescue 1122 Spokesperson Bilal Faizi. The rescue teams took the injured to District Headquarters Hospital Mardan.

The weather took yet another turn, although Pakistan Meteorological Department had forecasted monsoon rains to last between August 10 and 12. 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 16^th, 2016.