JALANDHAR, May 26 — A powerful thunderstorm that struck the city late Saturday night has left a trail of destruction, killing one and causing widespread power outages and infrastructure damage across multiple areas.
The storm claimed the life of Ramesh, a migrant laborer, when an electric pole collapsed outside the Municipal Corporation office and fell on him. He succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital, authorities confirmed Sunday.
Remnants of the storm’s fury were still visible across the city on Sunday, with several transformers damaged and electricity poles snapped or leaning. In numerous localities, trees were found uprooted, blocking roads and entrances.
Ruby, a resident of Kishanpura Chowk, recounted her close encounter during the storm. “A tree got uprooted and fell right in front of me. It was scary,” she said, visibly shaken.
In another incident near BMC Chowk, a partially built structure gave way in the high winds, damaging nearby homes. “The top floor of the under-construction building collapsed. Our AC units were destroyed — that’s how strong the storm was,” a local resident said.
Power cuts persisted through Sunday in several parts of the city, worsening the situation for residents grappling with rising temperatures. In Urban Estate, locals staged protests after hours of blackout, demanding immediate restoration.
Municipal and power department officials admitted to delays in repairs, citing manpower constraints. “There is a huge staff shortage, and during conditions like these, the pressure is overwhelming,” said one field officer. “We’re dealing with serious losses and daily emergencies with limited resources. It’s not easy.”
The restoration work remained underway into Sunday evening, with no clear timeline on when full services would resume.
