Severe thunderstorms sweeping across Punjab have killed at least 13 people and injured 92 others, according to an initial damage assessment issued by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Saturday.
The powerful storm system triggered multiple weather-related incidents across the province. Fatalities were reported in several districts including Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, and Sialkot, the PDMA confirmed.
Most casualties occurred due to the collapse of dilapidated buildings or people being present in unsafe locations during the storm, the agency said. Several mud-brick and poorly constructed homes sustained significant damage.
Relief Commissioner Nabil Javed directed all divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners, and emergency services to remain on high alert. He instructed that all injured individuals receive the best possible medical care.
“All rescue agencies, including Rescue 1122, must keep their teams and equipment on standby,” said Javed. “In accordance with the Punjab government's policy, affected families will be provided with financial assistance.”
Director General of PDMA added that the provincial control room and all district emergency operations centres had been placed on full alert. “We are monitoring the situation 24/7 from our central control room,” he said.
Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay indoors or in safe places during stormy conditions. People were also advised to stay away from power lines and hanging cables.
“To avoid lightning strikes, remain in safe areas and avoid open spaces during storms,” the PDMA advised. “Keep children away from weak or damaged buildings.”
Earlier, a powerful weather system brought intense thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hail to Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Abbottabad, Gujranwala, and surrounding regions on Saturday, breaking a days-long heatwave and significantly dropping temperatures.
Cool winds began sweeping through Islamabad by late morning, followed by dense cloud cover that turned day into night around 11 AM. Soon after, torrential rain and hail lashed the capital and nearby areas, offering much-needed relief from the sweltering conditions.
Residents, previously burdened by searing temperatures and humidity, welcomed the sudden shift in weather. “The cool breeze and rain have turned the entire city into a refreshing scene,” one resident said.
Rainfall reached up to 40mm in various parts of the twin cities, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). Notable figures included 10mm in Golra, 29mm near the PMD headquarters, 32mm in Shamsabad, and 6mm in the Kutchery area.
In light of the continued severe weather, a rain emergency has been officially imposed in Rawalpindi.
Read More: Severe dust storm, rain plunge Lahore into darkness
In Lahore, the storm began around 4 PM when dark clouds started gathering over the city. Within minutes, Lahore was engulfed by a fierce dust storm that drastically reduced visibility, forcing drivers to switch on headlights and streetlights to navigate the roads.
By 5 PM, the skies had darkened so significantly that the city resembled night-time. Many motorists pulled over, fearing for their safety as strong winds battered the area.
شیخوپورہ میں مقامی فیکٹری کی شدید آندھی کے باعث چھت گر گئی جس کے باعث صادق آباد کا رہائشی مزدور جاں بحق اور پانچ افراد شدید زخمی ہوگئے ریسکیو 1122 شیخوپورہ کی امدادی ٹیموں نے جاں بحق اور زخمیوں کو ملبے تلے سے نکال کر ڈسٹرکٹ ہیڈ کوارٹر ہسپتال شیخوپورہ منتقل کر دیا pic.twitter.com/XaWVMq8lGJ
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 24, 2025
The storm brought with it heavy rain in various parts of the city, resulting in fallen trees and collapsed walls. Rescue officials confirmed that at least three people were injured in related incidents.
In one case near Bhobtian Chowk on Raiwind Road, a wall collapsed due to the strong winds, injuring two young men — 25-year-old Usman and 20-year-old Husnain — who were later taken to hospital.
Heavy rain was reported in several areas, including Lakshmi Chowk, Ravi Road Subdivision, Sheranwala Gate, Misri Shah, Baghbanpura, Shad Bagh, Shahdara, and the City Subdivision.
Rainfall also occurred in Gulberg, Tajpura, Mustafa Abad, Gujjarpura, LDA Avenue One, Johar Town, Sabzazar, and Islam Pura, resulting in waterlogged roads and major traffic disruptions across the city.
شیخوپورہ میں مقامی فیکٹری کی شدید آندھی کے باعث چھت گر گئی جس کے باعث صادق آباد کا رہائشی مزدور جاں بحق اور پانچ افراد شدید زخمی ہوگئے ریسکیو 1122 شیخوپورہ کی امدادی ٹیموں نے جاں بحق اور زخمیوں کو ملبے تلے سے نکال کر ڈسٹرکٹ ہیڈ کوارٹر ہسپتال شیخوپورہ منتقل کر دیا pic.twitter.com/XaWVMq8lGJ
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) May 24, 2025
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported hail and heavy downpours in several northern areas, including Haripur and Abbottabad, before the storm moved southward towards Islamabad and the twin cities.
CM Maryam Nawaz Issues Emergency Orders
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed local administrations and rescue services to remain on high alert amid continued storms and heavy rainfall.
Taking notice of flooding in low-lying areas of Rawalpindi and other cities, the Chief Minister instructed administrative officials to take immediate action. She emphasised the urgent need for drainage to minimise disruption and health risks.
In a public statement, Maryam Nawaz ordered WASA officials in Rawalpindi to personally oversee operations in the field. “All available resources must be mobilised to ensure proper drainage and public safety,” she stated.
She also called on local authorities to proactively communicate with citizens and raise awareness about safety measures during the ongoing weather emergency.
Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa issued directives for immediate road clearance, removal of fallen trees, and drainage of water from underpasses and roads.
“Emergency and Disaster Management, along with the Environment Wing, are working to ensure no obstruction remains on city roads,” said Randhawa. “Residents are urged to report emergencies via the CDA helpline or local administration.”
All CDA and sanitation teams have been mobilised for 24/7 field monitoring, especially in low-lying areas and near natural waterways.
آئیسکو ریجن خصوصاً اسلام آباد راولپنڈی اور اٹک میں طوفانی ھوائیں اور ژالہ باری ہوئی ہے۔متعدد 11 کے وی فیڈرز پر فالٹ اور ٹریپنگ متعلقہ فیڈرز پر بجلی کی فراہمی متاثر ہوئی ہے. pic.twitter.com/ikx0uMS4Lk
— Islamabad Electric Supply Co. IESCO (@IESCO_Official) May 24, 2025
The heavy rainfall and strong winds led to temporary power outages in many parts of Rawalpindi, where a rain emergency was formally declared. Multiple 11kV power feeders in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Attock tripped due to falling trees, hail, and strong gusts, according to IESCO (Islamabad Electric Supply Company).
A spokesperson for IESCO confirmed that restoration efforts were underway: “The storm caused widespread tripping and faults on several feeders. Our teams are actively working to restore supply in affected areas.”
NEOC Alert: 24 May 2025
— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) May 24, 2025
Heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, windstorms & dust storms are expected next 2-6 hrs in parts of Punjab incl 📍Mianwali, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lahore, Narowal, Hafizabad, Multan, Khanewal, DG Khan, Bahawalnagar & Bahawalpur pic.twitter.com/L52kTQbji5
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert, warning of strong thunderstorms and hail expected in several parts of Punjab over the next 2 to 6 hours.
According to the alert, Lahore, Mianwali, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Sargodha, and Faisalabad are expected to experience intense rainfall and hailstorms.
Other districts likely to be affected include Narowal, Hafizabad, Gujrat, Multan, Khanewal, and Dera Ghazi Khan, where thunderstorms and hail are also forecast.
In Bahawalpur and Bahawalnagar, strong winds, heavy rain, and hail are expected.
The Meteorological Department has advised the public to take precautionary measures, warning that strong winds could uproot trees, disrupt power supply, and pose hazards to public safety.“Due to strong winds, heavy rain, and hail, there is a risk of damage to weak infrastructure including electric poles, vehicles, trees, and solar panels,” said a PMD official.
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