Lahore, May 25, 2025: At least 14 people were killed and 45 others injured in storm-related incidents across Punjab on Saturday, as severe weather conditions wreaked havoc across the province. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed the fatalities on Sunday, attributing most deaths to collapsing structures and unsafe buildings.
According to PDMA, three deaths occurred in Jhelum, while Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Sialkot, and Mianwali each reported one fatality. In addition to structural collapses, numerous incidents of uprooted trees and damaged solar panels were reported in Lahore, adding to the province-wide chaos.
Rescue officials further reported that at least 10 deaths and 51 injuries were recorded in Lahore and surrounding districts, highlighting the widespread impact of the storm.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took immediate notice of the situation, directing district administrations and rescue services to remain on high alert. She also issued instructions to drain water from flooded low-lying areas and ensure swift emergency response in storm-hit regions.
The PDMA assured that financial compensation will be provided to families of those who lost their lives or were injured in the storm.
The deadly weather came a day after the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued an advisory, warning of strong winds, dust storms, thunderstorms, and isolated showers expected to hit Punjab, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa over the next 12 to 36 hours.
The National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) highlighted the potential for uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure, and temporary power outages, especially in vulnerable districts including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Gujranwala, Gujrat, and Mianwali.
Authorities have advised residents to secure outdoor objects, stay indoors, and avoid unnecessary travel during turbulent weather.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, similar weather patterns are forecast, with rainfall, windstorms, and thunderstorms expected in Chitral, Battagram, Kohistan, Kohat, Kurram, Bannu, Mardan, Peshawar, Swabi, Charsadda, Nowshera, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Dera Ismail Khan, Bajaur, and Mohmand.
Emergency services remain on standby as provincial and national authorities continue to monitor the developing situation.
