Rain-related incidents leave 30 killed in Pakistan

The country's eastern Punjab province was the worst-hit region, where 17 people lost their lives and six others were injured in lightning strike incidents as heavy rainfall lashed various districts of the province over the past 48 hours, NDMA official Muhammad Umar told Xinhua.

In southwest Balochistan province, eight people were killed due to lightning and heavy rains. At least five people were killed and more than 10 others injured in northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, said the official, adding that women and children are among the victims.

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.

Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted heavy rains with thunderstorms in parts of the South Asian country until Monday, saying the heavy rainfall may generate flash floods and landslides and cause damage to standing crops.

(With UNI inputs)