Lightning strikes accompanied by heavy rains on Saturday claimed the lives of at least 25 people in Punjab and Balochistan provinces, Express News reported. In Punjab alone, 17 people succumbed to the deadly strikes, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA). Lightning struck multiple areas including Muzaffargarh, Rahimyar Khan, Rajanpur, Lodhran, Bahawalpur, and Bahawalnagar. Heart-wrenching accounts emerged from the Faqeer Wali area near Haroonabad, where a father and his two sons lost their lives, while the mother and another son sustained injuries. Rescue 1122 confirmed nine fatalities in Faqeer Wali, with reports of further casualties in Bahawalpur and Lodhran. Read: Rain, thunderstorm expected in Karachi on April 13 and 14 In another tragic incident, a family consisting of a husband, wife, and their two children perished in Rahim Yar Khan city. In Balochistan, eight individuals fell victim to the strikes following torrential rainfall. Reports indicate two fatalities each from Surab and Chaman districts, with additional casualties reported from Qilla Abdullah, Dera Bugti, Muslim Bagh, and Pishin. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended his condolences to the families affected by the lightning events in both provinces. He called upon the PDMA and relevant authorities to extend every possible support to the bereaved families. Read: El Niño-induced weather to grip country in April Following the tragedy, Irfan Ali Kathia, Director General of PDMA, reached out to the deputy commissioners of the affected districts, urging prompt and effective medical aid for the victims. Kathia also pledged financial assistance to the bereaved families affected by the natural disaster. He also expressed regret over the loss of lives and underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in mitigating natural disasters. He emphasised the need for heightened public awareness and adherence to safety measures during adverse weather conditions. The tragic events unfolded against the backdrop of warnings issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasting thunderstorms and rain across the country. The PMD's Early Warning Centre had forewarned about consecutive western disturbances, lasting until April 15.
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