Lahore: At least 19 people lost their lives while 92 others received injuries due to severe windstorms and heavy rains that struck Pakistan's eastern Punjab province, said authorities.
According to Kuwait News Agency, data released by the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Punjab states that three people died each in Lahore and Jhelum cities, two each in Sialkot and Muzaffargarh, and one person each in Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Attock, Multan, Rajanpur, Hafizabad, Mianwali, Jhang, and Layyah cities due to heavy rainstorms and winds collapsing walls and roofs of the houses.
PDMA directed rescue agencies across Punjab to remain alert amid reports of wind and rain in various districts of the province. "Most casualties occurred due to the collapse of dilapidated buildings or people being present in unsafe locations during the storm," said PDMA.
Several motorways were closed due to safety concerns while heavy winds and rains disrupted travel across several roads in Punjab province. Moreover, strong winds and hailstorms also damaged several properties and power feeders in northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) province, including Mingora, Amankot, Rahimabad, and Qambar areas.