At least three people were killed and 24 others injured as powerful dust storms and heavy rain battered multiple cities across Punjab over the past 24 hours, with rescue officials reporting widespread damage from falling trees, collapsed rooftops, walls, signboards, and sheds.

According to Rescue authorities, incidents were reported across Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Burewala, Mian Channu, Muzaffargarh, Jhang, Nankana Sahib, and Dera Ghazi Khan.

In Lahore, six separate incidents were recorded, killing two people and injuring six. A 50-year-old man identified as Ejaz died after a tree fell near the Badami Bagh bus terminal, while 21-year-old Bilal lost his life when a shed collapsed near Rang Mahal.

In Faisalabad, seven incidents involving collapsing walls, rooftops, and trees left one child dead and nine others injured. The deceased child was identified as 13-year-old Haider Ali.

In Dera Ghazi Khan, three people were injured after lightning struck at two separate locations, while in Muzaffargarh, four people were hurt in four incidents involving falling trees, solar panels, and walls. Further casualties were also reported in Jhang and Nankana Sahib. All critically injured persons were shifted to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.

Separately, strong winds disrupted power supply in Multan, Burewala, and Mian Channu, while fallen trees and signboards were reported across several areas.

NDMA issues 24-hour alert

The National Disaster Management Authority’s National Emergencies Operations Centre (NEOC) has issued an alert for thunderstorms, strong winds, and hailstorms across most parts of the country over the next 12 to 24 hours.

The NDMA said the current weather pattern is consistent with its seasonal forecast issued three to four months ago. Rain and thunderstorms are expected in Islamabad and multiple Punjab districts, including Murree, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sialkot, Gujrat, Gujranwala, Narowal, Mandi Bahauddin, Lahore, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sahiwal, and Okara.

Thunderstorms and rain are also expected in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, as well as across multiple districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including Chitral, Dir, Swat, Swabi, Kalam, Mingora, Malakand, Battagram, Mansehra, Abbottabad, Haripur, Mardan, Nowshera, Peshawar, Kohat, Charsadda, and Dera Ismail Khan.

In Sindh, rain is forecast for Hyderabad, Karachi, Matli, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Thatta, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sajjawal, and Jamshoro. Balochistan districts including Quetta, Zhob, Qila Saifullah, Qila Abdullah, Pishin, Chaman, Loralai, Khuzdar, Kalat, Mastung, Ziarat, Sibi, Barkhan, Kohlu, Dera Bugti, Surab, Hub, Gwadar, and Kech are also under the weather advisory.

The NDMA warned that rising temperatures in northern areas could trigger glacial lake outburst floods and landslides, urging citizens to avoid glacier-adjacent areas and hazardous slopes. In southern regions, strong winds and potential hailstorms pose a risk to weak structures, solar panels, and vehicles. Authorities advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel, stay in safe locations during bad weather, and follow guidance from local administrations.