LAHORE(National Times)- An unidentified man was killed and nine others injured, while 46 houses were damaged by fire as strong winds and dust storms wreaked havoc in parts of south Punjab during the last 24 hours.
According to Rescue 1122 officials, the 46 house fire incidents were reported at Bate Sauntra in Alipur tehsil due to strong winds and dust storm. Around 64,000 kilo wheat was also burnt in these incidents, while five persons were injured, the officials added.
Meanwhile, death of an unidentified man was reported in Kot Mithan, Rohjan Road in Rajanpur district, where four persons were also injured.
Besides, 115 animals were killed and three others were injured in the affected areas. The dead animals included 45 goats, 15 cows and calves, five donkeys, and 50 chickens and ducks.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has also reported various weather-related incidents in Rajanpur and Muzaffargarh districts, where strong winds damaged solar panels and caused fires, resulting in loss of property and livestock.
Punjab Relief Commissioner Nabeel Javed directed the authorities concerned to ensure the provision of medical treatment to the injured and instructed commissioners, deputy commissioners and Rescue 1122 officials across the province to remain on high alert in view of the forecast of further adverse weather conditions in the province.
He directed Rescue 1122 and other emergency services to keep their personnel and machinery ready to respond to any emergency situation.
The PDMA says that financial assistance to the affected families has been initiated under the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
PDMA Director General Umar Javed says the provincial control room and all district emergency operation centres have been put on high alert, while the situation is being monitored round the clock.
He warns that windstorms, rain and hailstorms are expected from June 2 (Tuesday) evening to June 5, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel during the period. Javed advised people to stay away from electricity poles and low-hanging power lines and seek shelter during lightning activity. He also urged parents to ensure that the children should not go near dilapidated buildings during rain and windstorm.
Meanwhile, PDMA also issued an alert in view of rain, high-velocity winds and hailstorms in most districts of the province till June 5, 2026.
According to the PDMA spokesperson, rain has been predicted in several districts, including Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Bhakkar, Layyah, Faisalabad, Jhang, Okara, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Sargodha, Mianwali, Sheikhupura, Khushab and Mandi Bahauddin.
Rain is also likely in Lahore, Sialkot, Narowal, Faisalabad, Jhang and surrounding areas.People have been directed to stay away from open fields, tall trees and unsafe places, while farmers were advised to take advance measures to protect their crops given the adverse weather conditions.
