On Saturday evening in Punjab, a powerful windstorm ripped across parts of the province, leaving destruction in its wake. At least eight people died as a result, and 45 others were injured according to provincial disaster management authorities.
Heavy winds accompanied by torrential rainfall struck several cities on September 12th, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and Sahiwal causing uprooting trees, toppling electricity poles and widespread structural damage. Though warned by Pakistan Meteorological Department earlier in the day of possible danger due to such stormy conditions; its intensity nonetheless took many by surprise.
Casualties were caused primarily by collapsing roofs, falling trees, and electric shock. Emergency rescue teams were dispatched to affected areas late at night in order to evacuate injured residents and clear debris.
“A sudden storm hit Faisalabad around 6:30 PM, unleashing chaos across the city. Roofs began flying off their surfaces and trees were falling on roads and vehicles with impact, cutting electricity almost immediately,” reported Shahid Mehmood, who lives nearby and saw part of his home damaged during this incident.
Rescue 1122 reported at least three fatalities in Lahore, including a child crushed beneath a fallen wall, two in Multan and one each in Gujranwala, Sahiwal, and Bahawalpur; many injured individuals were brought to district hospitals where emergency protocols were activated.
“Those injured are being treated for head injuries, fractures and in some instances electric burns,” according to Dr. Shabnam Niazi of Lahore government hospital emergency services. She added, “We remain on high alert for any additional influx.”
Storm disruption caused serious disruptions to Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO). Over 300 feeders had tripped, leaving large parts of Lahore without power for 24 hours in certain areas. Repair crews were deployed immediately but full restoration could take 24 hours.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed her sadness over the deaths and ordered all relevant departments to expedite rescue and relief operations as quickly as possible. Her top priority is saving lives while restoring essential services, according to her statement. All hospitals must ensure proper medical attention is available for those injured.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif offered condolences to bereaved families and requested an immediate damage assessment report, promising financial compensation would be made available for each of those killed and injured.
Meanwhile, the PMD has predicted more unstable weather in the upcoming days and issued a warning to residents to remain indoors during any storm activity. “This is part of a wider weather pattern affecting this region,” according to PMD spokesperson Khalid Malik. He urged citizens to remain safe by taking necessary precautions during storm warnings.
Rurally, the storm wrecked havoc on crops such as wheat and sugarcane just days before harvesting began. Farmers in southern Punjab appealed for immediate aid as they anticipated significant financial losses due to this event.
As Punjab begins the long road back from flooding, questions have been raised regarding its preparedness for extreme weather events that experts predict are becoming more common due to climate change.
At this time, families throughout the region are mourning their losses while emergency teams strive to return normalcy after one of the deadliest storms to hit Ontario this year.