LAHORE: At least 54 people have died in lightning and heavy rain-related incidents across Pakistan in the past four days, officials from the disaster management agency said on Tuesday.
Most of the deaths occurred in the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where torrential rains and flash floods triggered landslides, damaged homes, blocked roads, and uprooted trees.
An equal casualty toll was recorded in Punjab, the country’s largest and most populous province, where 21 people fell victim to lightning strikes between Friday and Sunday, Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported, warning of potential landslides and flash floods due to expected rainfall in the coming days.
In Balochistan, at least eight people, seven of whom were struck by lightning, were killed. A state of emergency has been declared after 25 districts endured heavy rainfall and some regions witnessed flooding.
The Balochistan government also ordered schools in the province to remain closed on Monday and Tuesday, disrupting the post-Eid-ul-Fitr holiday return for students following the Ramadan period.
Moreover, four fatalities resulted from road accidents caused by flooded roads in southern Sindh province.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared on Monday that he had directed the NDMA to collaborate with provincial authorities and expedite relief efforts in affected areas. Rural communities, particularly those in open areas, face heightened risks during thunderstorms.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has asked emergency services to remain vigilant amid the forecast of severe weather conditions.
