SIALKOT – In a tragic turn of events, at least six people lost their lives after heavy rains and strong winds lashed Sargodha and Sialkot districts of Punjab during the last 24 hours.
The downpour affected communication systems as electricity supply remained suspended for hours in urban and rural areas.
Detailing the incidents, Rescue officials told that the roof of a house collapsed in Vigowal Village due to the rains, resulting in the death of Muhammad Khan, Muhammad Hayat, Ali Akbar and Samreen Bibi.
In another incident, the roof of a house in Kot Raja area caved in due to rains which resulted in the death of Amir and his son Mukhtar. It also injured three others, including Sakina Bibi and Azra Bibi who suffered critical injuries, Express News reported.
Majority of the low-lying urban and rural areas in the district were inundated, halting the routine life of the public. The cool breeze and rain provided relief to people from the hot and dry weather which had continued for the past few weeks.
The main roads, including Shahab Pura Road, Roras Road, Allama Iqbal Chowk, Dara Araian, Defence Road, Fatah Garh Road etc were submerged in rainwater, stranding commuters in traffic jams for hours.
Earlier, Met Office Spokesperson Khalid Mahmood Malik said that during the current year, Pakistan has experienced the hottest summer as compared to previous years as the mercury remained two to three degrees above normal.
Chances are high that the country will experience two to three spells of showers which will bring respite from the intense heat, he said.