Lightning, rains kill 41 people across Pakistan

At least 41 people have lost their lives in lightning and rain-related incidents across Pakistan from Friday.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued warnings of potential landslides and flash floods as further rain is anticipated in the upcoming days.

Among the provinces, Punjab has borne the brunt of the havoc, witnessing the highest death toll with 21 individuals falling victim to lightning strikes between Friday and Sunday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the NDMA to collaborate closely with provincial authorities to ensure swift coordination in delivering relief aid to the affected areas.

The vulnerability of rural communities to lightning strikes during thunderstorms has been underscored, emphasizing the need for heightened precautions in such open settings. In Balochistan province, eight lives were tragically lost, seven of whom were struck by lightning.

The torrential rain wreaked havoc across 25 districts, leading to flooding in some areas and prompting the closure of schools on Monday and Tuesday, disrupting the return of students following the Eidul Fitr holidays.

Sindh province grappled with its own challenges, as four individuals lost their lives in road accidents caused by flooded roads. Meanwhile, in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, eight more lives were claimed, including four children, as heavy downpours resulted in the collapse of houses.

These incidents serve as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for robust disaster preparedness and mitigation measures to safeguard lives and communities against the wrath of nature's fury.