Punjab rains turn deadly as five killed, several injured

At least five people have lost their lives, and several others have been injured in rain-related incidents across Punjab during the past 24 hours, rescue officials confirmed on Friday. The deaths were caused by lightning strikes, falling trees, collapsing walls, and damaged power lines.

Strong winds and heavy rainfall hit several districts on Thursday, creating dangerous conditions across the province. Many accidents were reported as weak structures collapsed, and electricity-related hazards increased in different areas. According to Punjab Rescue 1122 spokesperson Farooq Ahmed, two people were killed after being struck by lightning in Narowal. In Gujranwala, a man died when a tree fell on him. Two more people lost their lives in separate rain-related incidents in Lahore.

Rescue teams quickly reached the affected areas and shifted the injured people to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment. Officials said some of the injured are in critical condition and receiving care. Experts say Pakistan remains highly vulnerable to climate change, and extreme weather events are becoming more frequent each year. The country has recently faced heavy rains, floods, heatwaves, cyclones, and drought-like situations.

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Earlier this year, heavy rains during March and April pushed the nationwide death toll from weather-related incidents above 80, showing the rising threat of extreme weather. Last year’s monsoon season was also devastating, when heavy rainfall and water releases from dams caused flash floods that killed nearly 1,000 people across the country.

Authorities say the recent incidents once again highlight the growing risks of unpredictable weather patterns. Citizens are being advised to take safety precautions during storms and avoid unnecessary travel during bad weather.