At least 14 people were tragically killed in Balochistan and Punjab due to lightning strikes as heavy downpours swept through parts of the provinces on Saturday. The devastating incidents were reported by Geo News, citing officials who confirmed the casualties.
The fatalities occurred as westerly waves entered Balochistan, claiming the lives of four individuals in Surab, Dera Bugti, and Pishin districts. In Surab district, two youths, Farid Ahmed and Jabir Ahmed, were struck by lightning while sitting in a garden in the Tanak area, resulting in their immediate deaths. Additionally, one person was injured in the same incident. Lightning also claimed the lives of individuals in Pishin and Dera Bugti districts.
Tragically, the fatalities extended to other areas, with two children perishing in Basti Kalwar of Rahim Yar Khan district, a couple in Basti Khokhran Feroza, a farmer in Khan Bela, and a shepherd in Mari Allah, all due to lightning strikes. Furthermore, lightning-related deaths were reported in Khairpur Daha, Chak-113 area of Bahawalpur district, and Lodhran.
The severe weather conditions also impacted electricity supply in Quetta, where numerous feeders experienced failures, leaving the city without power. Hailstorms in various regions of Balochistan and Punjab caused temperatures to drop significantly.
In response to the unexpected weather, the Balochistani administration has issued directives to address the situation, including the removal of encroachments from natural drainage routes. Chief Minister Sardar Sarfaraz Bugti has instructed district disaster management authorities to take necessary measures to mitigate the impact of the inclement weather.