ISLAMABAD: At least four people have been killed and seven others injured as heavy rains, thunderstorms, and powerful dust storms wreaked havoc across multiple regions of Pakistan on Tuesday, according to official reports and local sources.
Azad Kashmir: Cloudburst Claims Life, Destroys Homes
In Muzaffarabad’s Belgraan area, a woman died and several others were reported missing following a devastating cloudburst. Multiple homes and a mosque were reportedly destroyed, with significant property damage feared. Similar flash floods impacted Neelum Valley, affecting areas including Athmuqam, Sharda, Dowarian, and Grace Valley. The Neelum Highway was closed between Barian and Mirpura due to flooding, and several homes were placed at risk near the Leswa and Balgraan streams.
Murree and Galiyat: Torrential Rain Disrupts Power and Tourism
Heavy rains accompanied by thunder and lightning lashed Murree, leading to widespread power outages. The Met Office has forecast more rain and storms through June 1. Tourist areas in Galiyat were also hit by strong winds and rain, prompting the district administration to issue safety warnings. Motorists were advised to avoid landslide-prone zones.
Kohistan: Floods Hit Local Market, Block Karakoram Highway
In Lower and Upper Kohistan, continuous rainfall led to flooding in local markets, with the Karakoram Highway blocked at several locations near Jejal Bazaar, causing traffic disruptions.
Islamabad: Trees Uprooted, Property Damaged
In the capital, a fierce dust storm uprooted trees and disrupted normal life. A tree fell on a vehicle in G-6’s Aabpara Market, severely damaging the car; the driver escaped unharmed. Wind speeds reached up to 74 km/h, with light drizzle reported across the city. Authorities have begun removing large billboards and are monitoring flood-prone areas closely.
Rawalpindi and Attock: Roof Collapses, Children Injured
In Rawalpindi, three people, including two children, were injured due to weather-related incidents. In Attock’s Shamsabad village, the roof of a mud house collapsed during a thunderstorm, injuring a 22-year-old woman, who was taken to Tehsil Hospital for treatment.
Hazro: Dust Storm Turns Day Into Night
A powerful dust storm in Hazro plunged the region into darkness and caused widespread power outages. Rainfall with thunder and lightning followed the storm and is expected to continue for several hours.
Mehar: Dust Storm Cuts Power to Thousands
Following an intense heatwave, Mehar town and surrounding areas were hit by a dust storm that caused partial power outages. Over nine grid station feeders tripped due to high winds. A light drizzle brought slight relief, but electricity remained suspended in many parts.
Haripur: Destruction Across All Three Tehsils
Severe winds battered Haripur, damaging homes and infrastructure across all three tehsils. In the Ghazi area, a wall collapse resulted in the death of a child, identified as Shawaal, and injured two others. In a separate incident, a van plunged into a ravine on TIP Road, injuring the driver. Power supply was suspended in various areas after several electricity poles and trees were uprooted.
Kala Bagh: Lightning Strike Claims Life
One person was killed in Karabagh after being struck by lightning during the storm.
Forecast:
The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned of continued rainfall and thunderstorms across several regions until June 1, urging the public to take safety precautions.
Authorities remain on high alert as emergency response teams work to restore infrastructure and assist affected communities.
