DERA ISMAIL KHAN: Three people were killed when lightning struck them late on Monday night.

Two farmers, Akram Baloch and Farooq, were irrigating their fields in Zandani area Monday night when lightning struck, killing them on the spot. The lightning also killed another villager in Kot Wali Dar area of Kulachi tehsil, besides gutting 150 bags of wheat.

Rain coupled with wind and thunderstorm wreaked havoc in Dera city, Mandhran, Musizai, and CRBC localities. Dozens of electricity pylons, signboards and trees were uprooted. The whole areas plunged into darkness as CRBC, Mandhran feeders, and several transmission lines were damaged.

Rainwater flooded Deyal Road, Grid Road, Shiekh Yusuf Road and Jah Bori Wala area owing to clogged sewerage lines.

The windstorm also uprooted solar panels installed on roofs of several houses. Electricity supply was yet to be restored in the affected areas.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2016