QUETTA: Two people lost their lives as heavy rain and hailstorm continued in many areas of Balochistan on Friday, disrupting lives and causing infrastructure damages.

According to the Mastung deputy commissioner, two teenagers, riding on a motorcycle, died after they were struck by lightning as heavy rain with thunderstorms continued in the Lack Pass area of Nushki.

He added that two people were also injured after being struck by lightning.

According to reports, heavy hailstorms battered Duki, Harnai, Loralai, Musakhail and Qila Saifullah, damaging homes and destroying standing crops of wheat and vegetables and fruit orchards.

Officials said the hails were of “extraordinary size” which also damaged several vehicles and smashed their windscreens.

“The crop of almond, apricots, apple, peaches and other fruits were massively destroyed,” local officials of Duki and Harnai said, adding that the wheat crop, which was ready to be harvested, was also badly damaged.

Heavy rains also continued in Quetta, Mastung, Pishin, Chaman, Barkhan, Khanozai, Kan Mehtarzai Dalbandin, Bolan and other areas of the province.

The Met Office said that the ongoing rain spell will continue for another 48 hours with thunderstorms and strong winds.

Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2023