Three dead, 12 injured in Peshawar's windstorm

A powerful windstorm wreaked havoc across Peshawar on Saturday, claiming three lives and injuring at least 12 others. The storm caused extensive damage to infrastructure and disrupted electricity supply across the region.

In a tragic incident at the old vegetable market near Ghanta Ghar, a large branch of an ancient tree fell, killing two cousins who were local vendors. Several shops in the vicinity were also damaged. Meanwhile, in the Rano Garhi area, a six-year-old child from a nomadic family was killed when a wall collapsed on him.

Across the city, strong winds brought down trees, walls, and signboards. Injuries were reported from multiple areas including Afghan Colony, Asad Anwar Colony, and Rano Garhi. Rescue teams rushed the injured to local hospitals for treatment.

Electricity supply was severely disrupted as the storm caused 110 feeders in the PESCO region to trip. Power lines were snapped in several places, and poles were brought down, plunging large parts of the city into darkness for hours. According to a PESCO spokesperson, while multiple grid stations were also affected, emergency teams were able to restore power in most areas after hours of effort.

Earlier in the day, the city experienced intense heat, but by late afternoon, dark clouds rolled in followed by a brief drizzle and then high-speed winds. The storm's intensity disrupted daily life and left a trail of destruction in Peshawar and surrounding regions, including Khyber, Swat, Mardan, Swabi, Abbottabad, and Mansehra.

Deputy Commissioner Peshawar, Saleem Akram, confirmed the casualties and injuries, stating that emergency response operations were immediately launched to assess and manage the damage.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have advised citizens to remain cautious amid forecasts of continued unstable weather.