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At least 34 people including 16 children have lost their lives and 46 others were injured in separate rain-related incidents over the past three days as heavy pre-monsoon showers lashed several regions of Pakistan, officials said on Saturday.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, 19 people were killed and six others injured in the last 48 hours, while Punjab reported 15 deaths, including children, and 40 injuries during the same period.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) in Peshawar confirmed that six men, five women, and eight children died across Swat, Abbottabad, Charsadda, Malakand, Shangla, Lower Dir, and Torghar districts. Swat was the worst affected, accounting for 13 fatalities and six injuries.
Among the victims were 17 members of a family from Sialkot who were swept away while picnicking along the Swat River, which witnessed a sudden surge in water levels. Despite rescue efforts, several were carried off by the strong current, local media reported.
A total of 56 houses have also been damaged in rain-related incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In Punjab, the PDMA stated that 15 people including eight children died and 40 others sustained injuries in wall and roof collapse incidents triggered by the rain. Affected districts included Lahore, Okara, Bahawalnagar, Jhelum, Gujrat, Faisalabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Sahiwal, Chiniot, Multan, Sheikhupura, and Nankana.
The PDMA warned that the first spell of pre-monsoon rains is expected to continue until July 1, bringing strong winds and thunderstorms. Citizens have been urged to avoid non-essential travel during adverse weather, stay away from dilapidated structures, keep children away from drains and power lines, and remain vigilant in flooded areas.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsDistrict administrations have been directed to provide immediate relief to affected families and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured.
Meanwhile, light to moderate rain brought relief to Karachi and surrounding areas early Saturday morning, offering a break from the prolonged heatwave in the port city.
With inputs from agencies