Natural calamity: One killed, several injured as rains wreak havoc in Bahawalpur

Rains uprooted trees and electricity poles while roads were washed away

BAHAWALPUR: A woman lost her life while several others were injured as heavy rains lashed Bahawalpur City and its adjoining areas on Wednesday.

Police officials told The Express Tribune that an elderly woman died while her three grandchildren suffered injuries as roof of their house collapsed due to heavy rains in Sadiq Ameen Colony in Sama Satta Town. The injured were rushed to Bahawal Victoria Hospital for treatment.

There were also reports of rain-related injuries from different areas.

An uprooted tree on Club Road.

Meanwhile, heavy downpour and dust storm played havoc in Bahawalpur as walls and roofs of several houses collapsed, leaving dozens of people injured. Feeders in many areas developed technical faults and as a result, electricity to different areas of the city was disrupted. However, power could not be restored to many areas till filing of this report.

Hundreds of trees and electricity poles were rooted-out and link roads in rural areas were washed away. In view of the situation, the district management launched an emergency rescue operation to provide relief to the victims.

Besides, business activity remained suspended in the city as people preferred to remain indoors and rainwater accumulated on major thoroughfares. An official of the Metrological Department said the region will continue to receive more rains during next 24 hours. He added there were warnings of a flash flood and people should take measures pertaining to disaster management to minimise the damages.

A fallen electricity pole in front of Office Colony Gate. 

While speaking to The Express Tribune, Jawad Anwar, resident of Muhammdia Colony said, “Electricity supply in their area was suspended following the thunderstorm on Tuesday evening and it has not yet been restored.”

He added, “We are facing problems as there is no water in our homes and our routine life has been paralysed.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2017.