Multan: The ongoing monsoon season has brought much-needed rainfall to various parts of Pakistan, but it has also heightened the risk of electrocution incidents, prompting safety experts to urge citizens to adopt preventive measures to protect lives and property.
Heavy rains often expose damaged electrical infrastructure, including broken power lines, faulty transformers, illegal electricity connections and defective household wiring. When combined with standing water, these hazards can become life-threatening if proper precautions are not observed.
Officials of Rescue 1122 said that every year several people lose their lives or suffer serious injuries due to electric shocks during the rainy season. They stressed that most of these incidents can be prevented through public awareness and responsible behaviour.
Experts advised citizens to avoid walking near electric poles, transformers and hanging power lines during rainfall, particularly in waterlogged areas where electricity may spread through submerged infrastructure. Any fallen wire should always be considered live, and the relevant electricity distribution company should be informed immediately.
Electrical engineers recommended that households inspect their internal wiring before and during the monsoon season. Damaged switches, loose sockets and worn-out extension cords should be repaired without delay. Proper earthing systems and Residual Current Devices (RCDs) or Earth Leakage Circuit Breakers (ELCBs) can significantly reduce the risk of fatal electric shocks.
Parents have also been advised to educate children about the dangers of playing near electrical installations during wet weather. Such activities, experts warned, can have tragic consequences if adequate precautions are ignored.
Medical professionals emphasized that victims of electric shock require immediate medical attention, even if visible injuries appear minor. They advised that in case of an electrocution incident, the electricity supply should first be disconnected. If this is not possible, the victim should only be separated from the electrical source using a dry wooden stick or another non-conductive object before emergency services are contacted.
Safety experts observed that public awareness remains one of the most effective tools in reducing monsoon-related electrical accidents. They urged citizens to promptly report damaged electrical infrastructure, avoid unnecessary risks during heavy rainfall and encourage family members to follow basic electrical safety practices.
They said that while monsoon rains are essential for agriculture and water resources, a few moments of caution and responsible behaviour can prevent avoidable tragedies, ensuring that the season remains one of relief rather than loss.