Severe storms and heavy rain claim lives, injure dozens across Sindh and Punjab

Powerful winds and heavy rain caused widespread destruction across parts of Sindh and Punjab, leaving at least two people dead, more than 60 injured, and causing extensive damage to homes, power infrastructure, livestock, and agricultural property.

In Kashmore, two people lost their lives while more than eight others were injured in various weather-related incidents, including the collapse of roofs, walls, and solar panels during the storm. The injured were shifted to Civil Hospital Kashmore and other private medical facilities for treatment.

The severe weather also damaged electricity infrastructure, with several 11,000 KV poles, transformers, and power lines falling due to strong winds. As a result, 13 feeders connected to the Kashmore and Guddu Grid Stations were shut down, suspending electricity supply to numerous areas, including Guddu City, Guddu Barrage, WAPDA Colony, Shah Wali, City One and Two, Irrigation Colony, Khosa Mori, and Murad.

Residents faced significant difficulties due to the prolonged power outage. The SEPCO administration said restoration work had begun but warned that it could take between 48 and 72 hours to fully restore electricity. Heavy rainfall also caused waterlogging in several localities, adding to the difficulties faced by residents.

50 injured in Obaro

Meanwhile, in Obaro and surrounding areas, around 50 people, including men, women, and children, were injured in various accidents linked to the storm, according to police. Assistant Commissioner Sohaib Elahi said an emergency had been imposed at Taluka Hospital Obaro, while all hospital staff had been placed on alert to deal with the influx of patients.

Hospital sources reported that some of the injured were in critical condition. Authorities said accidents occurred in multiple locations due to strong winds, and emergency medical assistance was being provided to the affected individuals.

Windstorm triggers massive fire in Basti Bugti

In Punjab's Alipur area, scenes of devastation emerged after a windstorm triggered a massive fire in Basti Bugti, located within the jurisdiction of Kandai Police Station in Mouza Dhaka and Mouza Baqir Shah.

According to local reports, more than 40 houses were reduced to ashes, while over 40 animals were burned alive in the blaze. Around a dozen men, women, and children also suffered serious burn injuries.

Videos received from the area showed residents desperately attempting to extinguish the flames using water carried in containers, as they struggled to control the rapidly spreading fire with limited resources. The footage depicted extensive destruction, with entire homes and livestock shelters engulfed by flames.

The storm also destroyed solar power systems and agricultural equipment across the affected area. In addition, hundreds of maunds of stored wheat were reportedly burned, causing significant financial losses to local residents.

Burn victims were being transported to hospitals by local residents, while authorities continued to assess the full extent of the damage caused by the severe weather.