Deadly Storms Hit Pakistan as Rain Disrupts Power

At least three people were killed and seven others injured on Wednesday as powerful rain, windstorms and hail swept through several parts of Pakistan, disrupting daily life from Sindh and Punjab to Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The severe weather brought relief from heat in many districts but also caused casualties, infrastructure damage and electricity breakdowns.

The most serious incidents were reported from southern Punjab and upper Sindh, where lightning, strong winds and collapsing installations turned dangerous within minutes. Near Kandhkot, one person died and three others were injured after being struck by lightning, while in Rojhan two people lost their lives and another was wounded when storm-force winds reportedly dislodged solar panels.

Sadiqabad also faced damage from heavy rain and strong gusts, with trees, signboards, boundary walls and electricity poles falling in different areas. Three people were injured there as the storm disrupted road movement and raised fresh safety concerns for residents already dealing with unstable weather patterns.

Officials linked to the power sector said restoration teams had been dispatched after storm damage hit the electricity network in Sukkur and nearby areas. A SEPCO spokesperson said transmission towers, poles and lines suffered damage, adding that field staff were working to restore supply as soon as conditions allowed.

The disruption was particularly severe in the SEPCO region, where reports indicated that 46 grid stations were affected after multiple high-voltage transmission circuits tripped. Electricity supply remained suspended in several parts of Sukkur for hours after the downpour, creating difficulties for households, businesses and emergency response teams.

The weather system also brought hail and heavy showers to parts of Sindh and Balochistan. Sukkur, Kandhkot, Jacobabad, Thul, Garhi Khairo, Shahdadkot, Mehar, Nasirabad and Dera Murad Jamali were among the areas that experienced rain, dust storms or hail, with residents reporting a sharp drop in temperature after days of heat.

In Azad Kashmir and northern areas, Mirpur, Mangla, Islamgarh, Abbottabad and the Galiyat belt received rainfall that improved weather conditions but also raised the risk of slippery roads and localised disruption. Nathia Gali, Ayubia and Thandiani also received showers, adding to changing conditions in hilly areas where travel can quickly become hazardous during storms.

Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also saw changing weather, with Rawalpindi receiving rain and Lahore experiencing light showers and thunderstorms. Faisalabad reported heavy rain with thunder, while Wazirabad and surrounding areas first faced dust storms before rainfall brought temperatures down.

The latest spell highlights Pakistan’s growing vulnerability to sudden and intense weather events, where relief from heat often comes with damage to weak infrastructure, power systems and public safety. The impact is especially serious in areas where electricity networks, drainage systems and emergency services are already under pressure.

Authorities are expected to continue monitoring conditions as rainfall persists in different parts of the country. With more showers forecast in some regions, residents have been advised to remain cautious around electric poles, damaged structures, low-lying roads and open areas during lightning and strong winds.