Lightning, thunderstorms and heavy rains have killed 30 people in Pakistan amid predictions of more rough weather in the South Asian country, DPA reported. Several others were reportedly injured in rain-related incidents in the last 48 hours in Pakistan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said on Sunday. At least 17 people were killed in the central province of Punjab when lightning struck different places, rescue official Farooq Ahmad said. Other eight people lost their lives to heavy rains and thunderstorms in the southwestern region of Balochistan, the local disaster management agency said. Falling roofs and crumbling walls after two days of downpour caused five deaths in the rugged mountains of the northwest, according to local rescue official Bilal Faizi. More rain and thunderstorms are expected to hit the country in the coming days, according to chief metrologist Sardar Sarfraz. Punjab province was the worst-hit region where apart from the loss of lives and six others were injured in lightning strikes incidents as heavy rainfall lashed various districts of the province over the past 48 hours. The torrential rains also damaged several houses in parts of the country, with authorities evacuating stranded people to safer places. Heavy rains also caused traffic jams on main roads and highways. The authorities have urged citizens and tourists to avoid unnecessary travel in affected districts for several days. The NDMA along with other civil departments and volunteers have launched rescue and relief operations in affected areas. The Pakistan Meteorological Department stated heavy rains with thunderstorms in parts of the South Asian country until Monday, may generate flash floods and landslides and cause damage to standing crops. — Agencies
