PESHAWAR: An intense windstorm with 83 kilometers per hour speed buffeted Peshawar on Monday afternoon, causing widespread power breakdowns, said the Met office.

Rescue 1122 said a woman was injured when wall of an orphanage collapsed in Hashtnagri, and a motorcyclist was hurt in the Kohat Road neighbourhood.

Extensive power breakdowns were witnessed in different parts of the city, some as long as four hours.

An official of Peshawar Electric Supply Company said the windstorm damaged electricity supply lines. He said repair work was under way to restore power.

The Met office predicted rain on Monday night and light drizzle on Tuesday.

The Met office had forecast a heatwave throughout Pakistan with mercury touching 42 to 43 degrees Celsius throughout the week. However, around 3pm dark clouds blanketed the sky and winds began to blow, soon turning into a strong windstorm.

Published in Dawn,May 10th, 2022