Pakistan, July 2 -- The first spell of monsoon rains has caused widespread destruction across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Punjab, claiming at least 14 lives and leaving dozens injured. Heavy rainfall, lightning strikes, flash floods, collapsing houses and strong winds damaged homes, disrupted daily life and prompted emergency authorities to launch rescue and relief operations in several affected districts.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa suffered the highest number of casualties, with nine people, including four children and one woman, losing their lives since the monsoon began. Another 23 people, including 11 children, were injured in incidents linked to lightning, cloudbursts, torrential rain and flash floods. The severe weather also damage...