Deadly hailstorms wreak havoc across Punjab, KP, killing 19 people

ISLAMABAD/LAHORE/PESHAWAR – At least 19 people were killed and over 90 injured as severe windstorms, torrential rains, and hailstorms battered multiple regions of Pakistan on Saturday, causing widespread destruction, power outages, and transport disruptions.

• Fatalities & Injuries: Most deaths occurred due to collapsing roofs, walls, and falling trees. Punjab reported the highest casualties, with deaths in Lahore, Jhelum, Sialkot, Muzaffargarh, Sheikhupura, and other districts.

• Infrastructure Damage: Houses, solar panels, and billboards were destroyed. A factory roof collapse in Sheikhupura killed one worker and injured five others.

• Power Outages: Over 113 power feeders tripped in KP, affecting Peshawar, Mardan, Swabi, Swat, and Abbottabad. In Punjab, Multan Electric Power Company (Mepco) reported faults across south Punjab, plunging areas into darkness.

• Transport Chaos:

  • Motorways closed, including sections of M2, M3, and Lahore-Sialkot route due to low visibility.

  • Flight disruptions: A Karachi-Lahore flight (FL-842) aborted landing amid severe turbulence, returning to Karachi. Two other Lahore-bound flights were diverted.

KP Hit by Crop and Power Damage

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa faced extensive crop destruction and prolonged power failures, particularly in Peshawar, Mingora, and Mohmand district, where hailstorms ruined farmland.

Emergency Response

• PDMA Punjab issued alerts and directed rescue teams to remain on high alert.

• Rescue 1122 and local authorities worked to clear debris and restore services.

• WASA Lahore deployed pumps to drain waterlogged underpasses.

Weather Forecast

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) predicts more rain and thunderstorms on Sunday in:

• Punjab (Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad, Sialkot)

• KP (Peshawar, Mardan)

Ongoing Risks

• Unstable structures in rural areas remain vulnerable.

• Flash floods reported in Swat’s Mingora, disrupting exams and daily life.

• Authorities Urge Caution

Officials have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel during storms.  Stay away from weak structures and billboards. Follow updates from disaster management agencies.