Severe rain, hailstorms ravage mature wheat crops in Pakistan's Punjab

Lahore [Pakistan], April 5 : Intense rainfall and severe hailstorms have battered southern Punjab over the last 48 hours, causing significant destruction to wheat crops and solar energy infrastructure, according to a report by Dawn.

The extreme weather has specifically impacted regions including Multan, Muzaffargarh, Kot Adu and Layyah, as a potent weather system swept across the province.

The agricultural heartland faced the brunt of the storm, with intermittent downpours and high-velocity winds.

Farmers in Muzaffargarh and Kot Adu documented extensive losses in fields struck by hailstones, while similar devastation was noted in Layyah.

Beyond the fields, residents reported that hailstones cracked solar panels installed at residences and agricultural tubewells, leading to widespread power interruptions.

According to Dawn, the atmospheric disturbance also crippled the local power grid, with both urban and rural vicinities enduring electricity outages lasting up to 24 hours.

In the Alipur tehsil of Muzaffargarh district, the windstorm toppled numerous electric poles, resulting in a total blackout.

Mepco XEN Sanaullah noted that teams were working to repair the fallen infrastructure, though he could not offer a specific timeline for restoration, stating that the "storm and rain were heavy and it would take time to reinstate the structure."

In Multan, the persistent rainfall prompted the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) to issue a high alert.

Wasa Managing Director Faisal Shaukat ordered all disposal stations to run at maximum capacity to clear water from highways and residential sectors.

Dawn reported that the Kadi Jamandan disposal station recorded the highest rainfall at 24 millimetres (mm), followed by 13 mm at Old Shujabad Road and 10 mm at Suraj Miani.

The provincial capital, Lahore, was also affected by moderate to heavy showers that uprooted trees and damaged private solar installations.

Local data indicated that Nishtar Town received 15.8 mm of rain, while Johar Town saw 13.8 mm.

The inclement weather disrupted daily life in the city, even forcing a delay in a Pakistan Super League cricket match due to a wet outfield.

As the Met Office predicts further precipitation across Punjab, Dawn highlighted that authorities have urged the farming community to implement urgent precautionary measures to protect their remaining yields.

Drainage operations remain active in low-lying areas as officials stay in the field to manage the ongoing crisis.

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