12 killed in Pakistan storm

Residents of the federal capital and Rawalpindi endured a powerful storm early today, with some reports of as many as twelve dead and dozens more injured.

Reports poured in on social media that strong winds of over a hundred kilometres per hour uprooted trees and knocked over billboards, damaging property and blocking roads as the storm raged for hours. Power supply remained disrupted for the duration of the storm in many parts of the twin cities.

Photos circulating on Twitter showed trees fallen on cars, with one user posting a video of fearful shoppers reacting to the storm inside the capital's popular shopping mall Centaurus.

All hospitals and blood banks were put on alert and a help centre was set up by the federal government to help victims, according to PML-N member of National Assembly Maiza Hameed.

The severe weather also put flight operations at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport on hold, particularly departures. Normal operations resumed Thursday morning.

People shared photos and videos of damage in their immediate vicinity and advised friends in the city to stay safe.

Copyright: Dawn/Asia News Network