Torrential Rains Kill 18, Injure Over 100 in Punjab; PDMA Urges Safer Solar Installations

LAHORE – May 26 — At least 18 people have died and over 110 others sustained injuries across Punjab following days of torrential rains and violent thunderstorms, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed on Monday.

Appearing at private news channel program, PDMA Punjab Director General Irfan Ali Kathia described the extreme weather as “unprecedented” and “beyond expectations.” While heavy rainfall had been forecast, the severity of the storm system took officials by surprise, he said.

A total of 124 structural collapse incidents have been reported so far, with Kathia revealing that 80% were linked to improperly installed rooftop solar panels. “Except for three cases, nearly all the collapses were caused by unsafe solar plate installations,” he said. “We welcome the shift to solar technology, but proper safety measures are critical to prevent such tragedies.”

The PDMA chief also warned of worsening climate patterns across the region, tying the recent disasters to global warming and poor urban planning. “We are facing the consequences of a 1°C to 1.5°C rise in global temperatures,” Kathia explained. “For the second consecutive year, we’ve seen an abrupt 7°C temperature spike during summer, triggering intense heatwaves.”

He singled out the Cholistan desert as particularly vulnerable, citing extreme heat, sparse population, and limited water access as major challenges for relief efforts.

Read more: Punjab Weather forecast: PDMA issues rain and heat alert across province

In response, the Punjab government has implemented emergency measures, including enhanced water supply operations and improved early warning systems. However, Kathia stressed that long-term strategies—such as afforestation, sustainable urban development, and regional climate cooperation—are essential to mitigate future disasters.

“This isn’t just a local issue—it requires collective, cross-border action across South Asia,” he concluded.