Severe storms kill at least 20, injure over 150 in Pakistan’s Punjab province

Severe windstorms and heavy rainfall struck Pakistan’s Punjab province on May 24 and 25, killing at least 20 people and injuring over 150.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported deaths in multiple cities, including three each in Lahore and Jhelum, two each in Sialkot and Muzaffargarh, and one each in Sheikhupura, Nankana Sahib, Attock, Multan, Rajanpur, Hafizabad, Mianwali, Jhang, Gujranwala, and Layyah. Most fatalities resulted from collapsing house walls, roofs, or falling trees.

The storms followed an extreme heatwave with temperatures exceeding 45°C (113°F), creating unstable atmospheric conditions. The Pakistan Meteorological Department had issued warnings for thunderstorms, gusty winds, and dust storms across Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad. The intense heat that persisted for several days set the stage for destructive windstorms, which brought high winds and heavy dust that severely reduced visibility.

Infrastructure damage was extensive, with power lines snapped across northern Pakistan, causing widespread outages. The Lahore Electric Supply Company deployed teams to restore electricity, but the scale of the damage slowed efforts. Fallen trees and debris blocked roads while collapsing solar panels and billboards created additional hazards in urban areas.

Transportation systems faced significant disruptions, with motorways closed due to safety concerns and low visibility. A private airline flight, FL-842, from Karachi to Lahore encountered severe turbulence while attempting to land, forcing a return to Karachi.

The storms also impacted Islamabad and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with heavy rainfall and hail reported in Swat, causing surging rivers and streams. No fatalities were reported outside Punjab, but crop damage and power outages were widespread.

Lightning strikes added to the hazards, with one man killed and three others injured by electrical discharges. The PDMA activated district emergency operations centers and maintained round-the-clock monitoring. Rescue operations focused on freeing people trapped under debris, while public advisories urged residents to stay indoors and avoid unsafe structures.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department warned that more storms could follow after May 25. Authorities shared emergency helplines to help people report injuries and damage quickly.

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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