At least 14 people were killed and several others injured after lightning strikes ripped through various districts of Balochistan, Pakistan on Friday. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) reported incidents from Kech, Khuzdar, Lasbela, and Awaran districts.
The worst-hit district was Kech, where six people lost their lives. Khuzdar followed closely with a death toll of four. Lasbela and Awaran districts each reported two and one fatalities, respectively. The injured were promptly transported to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
The deadly strikes coincided with heavy rain and thunderstorms that lashed the province. The PDMA has issued a cautionary warning, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid venturing into open spaces during the adverse weather conditions.
The Balochistan region, located in southwestern Pakistan, is prone to seasonal bouts of heavy monsoon rains that often bring with them the threat of lightning strikes. In 2021, a similar incident claimed the lives of fourteen people in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province due to lightning strikes that struck homes in a remote village.
Experts warn that these occurrences are likely to become more frequent and severe due to climate change. The resulting unpredictable weather patterns can lead to increased precipitation and erratic storms, amplifying the dangers associated with lightning strikes.
The dangers of lightning are often underestimated. Lightning strikes can cause immediate death, severe burns, and long-term neurological damage. To minimize the risk of being struck by lightning, people are advised to avoid seeking shelter under isolated trees or tall structures during thunderstorms. It is also recommended to stay away from bodies of water, open fields, and hilltops. If caught outdoors during a lightning storm, people should find a safe, enclosed space to take refuge.