Downpours transform the desert landscape

At least five people, including two children, drowned in rainwater ponds while 46 livestock were killed in separate lightning strikes as intermittent rainfall over the past 18 hours lashed Tharparkar, flooding low-lying areas and transforming the desert into a vast expanse of water.

The rains, accompanied by thunder and lightning, filled natural ponds across the district and inundated low-lying neighbourhoods in Mithi and Diplo.

Among the victims were two cousins, 10-year-old Mehtab Vishnu Meghwar and 11-year-old Shahdev Kasturo Meghwar, who drowned while swimming in a rainwater pond in Bhakuo village near Mithi. Their bodies were recovered by family members.

In Karihar village of Diplo, 20-year-old Aqeedat, son of Aslam Lanjo, drowned in a rainwater pond. In a separate incident in Ranchhani village, another 20-year-old, Limon Hameer Meghwar, also lost his life after drowning. Both bodies were retrieved by relatives after strenuous efforts.

Another child drowned while bathing in a rainwater pond in Kasbo village of Nangarparkar. The five tragic incidents plunged the affected villages into mourning.

Lightning strikes during the rainstorm also killed at least 46 livestock, including one camel, three cows and 42 goats. The losses included 23 goats belonging to Devoji Bheel in Taho Bheel village and 12 goats owned by Gordhan Bheel in Hariyar village.

Locals said livestock often seek shelter beneath trees during rainfall, making them vulnerable to lightning strikes. Three people had also been killed by lightning in Tharparkar just days earlier.

In view of the continuing rainfall, Deputy Commissioner Abdul Haleem Jagirani directed officials of all district departments to remain on duty and ensure prompt emergency response wherever required.

Meanwhile, the monsoon has also drawn visitors to the desert district. Tourists have started arriving at Tharparkar's scenic and historic attractions, including the Karoonjhar Hills in Nangarparkar, Gori Bhit near Mithi, Sardharo and Kasbo, where large crowds were seen enjoying the rain-soaked landscape.