The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed on Monday that at least 18 people have died and 110 others sustained injuries in rain-related incidents as torrential rains and violent thunderstorms swept through Punjab. Speaking on Geo News’ morning program “Geo Pakistan,” DG PDMA Punjab Irfan Ali Kathia characterized the weather conditions as “unprecedented” and “beyond expectations,” acknowledging that while heavy rainfall had been predicted, the system’s extreme severity was unforeseen.
According to Kathia, 124 incidents of structural collapse have been reported across Punjab to date. He stated that a majority of these incidents were linked to rooftop solar panels, which he claimed were installed without adequate safety measures. “Eighty percent of the collapses involved solar plates. Except for three incidents, all others were caused by these installations,” he revealed. “We welcome solar technology, but installations must be secure to prevent such tragedies.”
Kathia urged citizens to prepare for worsening weather patterns, underscoring the connection between rising temperatures and extreme climate events. “We are facing the consequences of a 1°C to 1.5°C rise in global temperature. This is the second consecutive year we’ve witnessed a sudden 7°C increase during summer, resulting in severe heatwaves,” he explained. He highlighted the Cholistan desert as one of the most vulnerable areas, where managing heatwaves presents particular challenges due to its sparse population and water scarcity.
In response, the government has implemented various protective measures for citizens, including efforts to enhance water supply and deploy early warning systems. However, Kathia emphasized the crucial need for regional cooperation and robust long-term strategies. He concluded, “For any real reduction in temperature, we need serious action — afforestation, better urban planning, and collective efforts across South Asia.”
