Lightning kills 6 in upper Punjab

Scattered rainfall to offer respite from heat spell, says Sherry Rehman, advising citizens to exercise caution

GUJRANWALA:

Six people, including two minors, were killed and five others, including a woman, sustained injuries when lightning struck different areas of Punjab, rescue officials said on Sunday.

According to the officials, two people died on the spot in lightning incidents in and around Narowal. They were identified as Muhammad Siddique, 70, a resident of Ghaziwal Colony and Bilal, 20, a resident of village of Kanon.

Among the injured, they added, were Naseer, 30, a resident of village Kotli Ramdas and Abdul Rahman, 22, a resident of village Chailiwali. Officials said that four people died and three others were injured in separate lightning incidents in Pasrur and Shikargarh.

According to the rescue officials, the injured sustained serious burn injuries, adding that they were referred to Lahore for further treatment after giving them first-aid at the government hospitals in their areas.

Read more: Country to receive scattered pre-monsoon rainfall from today

The lightning incidents occurred ahead of warning of pre-monsoon rains in several parts of the country. Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman said that heavy rain might cause urban flooding and trigger landslides in mountainous areas.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), scattered rainfall and thunderstorms were expected throughout the week till June 30 in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P).

Similarly, rain might lash Sindh, Balochistan and Southern Punjab from June 26 to June 29. Flash floods were also feared in Dera Ghazi Khan and adjoining areas of northeast Balochistan on June 27, it added.

Read: Power shortfall exceeds 6,500MW amid searing heat

The minister directed all relevant departments to remain alert and advised tourists to exercise caution. “Citizens are requested to stay away from weak infrastructure, power poles, and watercourses during strong winds and rains,” tweeted Rehman.

According to the PMD, the central and upper regions of Sindh could expect scorching heat. Additionally, it mentioned the likelihood of an occasional duststorm or light rain in Dadu, Kambar Shahdadkot, and Jacobabad districts during the evening.

In the Tharparker district, Karachi, and along the coastal areas, there might be a few instances of light rain or drizzle overnight and in the early morning, the PMD said in its latest weather outlook.

The PMD issued a warning about potential urban flooding in low-lying areas of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Gujranwala, and Lahore on June 26 and 27 due to heavy rainfall.

It also warned of flash flooding by hill torrents in Dera Ghazi Khan and in Balochistan on June 27. It cautioned against the possibility of landslides in vulnerable regions such as Murree, Galliyat, Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan, and the hilly areas of the K-P.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) provided safety guidelines to citizens, particularly in mountainous areas where there was a risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

(WITH INPUT FROM OUR ISLAMABAD CORRESPONDENT)