Rain fury claims more lives as alerts spread across provinces

QUETTA / PESHAWAR / LAHORE: At least 11 people have died and more than a dozen others have been injured in rain-related incidents across Balochistan, as heavy downpours and thunderstorms continue to batter large parts of the province, officials said on Monday.

Authorities confirmed that five of the fatalities occurred in the past 24 hours in Qila Abdullah and Kakar Khurasan. Among the victims were three children who died when the roof of a mud house collapsed during intense rainfall. Officials said the children were asleep when the structure gave way, leaving them trapped under debris before rescue teams could reach them.

In a separate incident in Gulistan, a man and his son were killed after being struck by lightning, while another individual sustained injuries. The deceased were identified as Bashir Ahmed and his son Zubair Ahmed.

Widespread rain, strong winds and snowfall in areas such as Ziarat have intensified cold conditions across the region. The Meteorological Department has forecast continued rainfall and gusty winds until April 9, prompting the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to advise residents to avoid low-lying areas.

Heavy rain has also affected districts including Sibi, Bolan, Pishin and Qila Saifullah, where hailstorms have caused significant damage to crops and orchards. Since March 25, rain-related incidents have claimed at least 45 lives and left over 100 people injured in the province, according to PDMA data.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, authorities have issued a flood advisory warning of rising water levels in the Kabul River, particularly near Nowshera, where low- to medium-level flooding is expected between April 7 and 8. Flash flooding is also likely in tributaries including the Kurram, Kohat Toi and Gomal rivers, with urban flooding risks in Peshawar, Mardan and Nowshera.

District administrations have been directed to take precautionary measures, including evacuating vulnerable populations and restricting movement in flood-prone areas. Relief arrangements such as shelter, food and medical aid have also been advised.

Meanwhile, the PDMA in Punjab has forecast widespread rain and possible hailstorms across multiple districts from April 6 to 8. Areas including Rawalpindi, Murree, Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujranwala are expected to receive rainfall, with authorities urging citizens to avoid open spaces during thunderstorms and take safety precautions.

Officials have also advised farmers and tourists to remain vigilant as unstable weather conditions persist across the country.