Tempest causes extensive damage
People retrieve bamboos from a damaged house following rains and floods during the monsoon season in Dera Allah Yar, district Jafferabad, Balochistan. PHOTO: REUTERS/FILE
A heavy rainstorm wreaked havoc in several areas of Punjab on Wednesday, claiming several lives and causing agricultural losses.
Low-lying areas were flooded due to heavy rain in the provincial capital. Many power feeders tripped, disrupting supply to a large number of people in several cities.
A 35-year-old resident, Kashif, died due to electrocution in the China Scheme.
A 30-year-old man was killed in an accident during the storm.
The roofs of several houses were damaged by the rain.
A youth died when the roof of a building collapsed. Edhi sources said the police shifted the body to a mortuary.
At least 11 goats were also electrocuted in water in Garhi Shahu.
Panic spread in the area because of fear of electrocution from water accumulated around electric poles.
Meanwhile, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) officials apparently kept striving to drain rainwater from the important roads and VIP places.
Those injured during the rain included 30-year-old Kiran, 25-year-old Musab, two-year-old Hadiya and one-year-old Ibrahim.
At least five vehicles were damaged after trees on The Mall road during the storm. A large number of road accidents were reported.
Multan and Gujranwala also witnessed severe damage due to rain and wind. The relevant government departments, including Rescue 1122, hospitals and WASA, declared emergency in several areas to cope with the pre-monsoon situation.
The power distribution companies were working to restore supply to several areas affected by the rain till the evening.
Speaking to The Express Tribune, a resident of Lahore said the government should make preparations to protect citizens from rains ahead of the season.
According to the Met Department, there is a possibility of rain with gusts and thunderstorms on Thursday in Lahore, Narowal, Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Okara, Kasur, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Layyah, Bhakkar, Multan, Rajanpur, Sahiwal, Rahim Yar Khan, Rawalpindi, Jhelum and Murree. There are also chances of hail at some locations.
Provincial Disaster Management Authority Director General Imran Qureshi advised all personnel responsible to remain present during heavy rains in low-lying areas with dewatering sets and other equipment to ensure water drainage while also keeping emergency plans in place.
In May, strong winds and heavy rains wreaked havoc in several districts, resulting in the loss of nine lives and leaving more than 15 people injured in Punjab.
The inclement weather caused roofs and walls to collapse and uprooted trees, causing casualties and damage. Additionally, over 200 feeders of the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) tripped, leaving people without electricity for hours. The urban areas also faced water shortage because of the disruption of power supply.
At least four children were killed in Mianwali, where a house wall collapsed in the Chakrala area due to torrential rain. Three other children were injured and trapped under the debris.
The victims were on their way to a mosque to study the Holy Quran. The deceased children included two sisters.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 8th, 2023.