Such was the retribution enforced by your Lord when the communities transgressed. Indeed, His retribution is painful, devastating.
وَكَذٰلِكَ أَخذُ رَبِّكَ إِذا أَخَذَ القُرىٰ وَهِىَ ظٰلِمَةٌ إِنَّ أَخذَهُ أَليمٌ شَديدٌ
wa kazaalika akhzu Rabbika izaaa akhazal quraa wa hiya zaalimah; inna akhzahooo aleemun shadeed