The people of 'Ad were an ancient Arabian tribe to whom Allah sent Prophet Hud (AS). They were known for their great physical strength and impressive architecture, but they rejected Hud's message and persisted in idol worship and arrogance.
According to the Qur'an (Surah Al-Haqqah, 69:6-7 and Surah Al-Qamar, 54:19-20), Allah destroyed the people of 'Ad by sending upon them a furious, violent wind (described as rih sarsar) that raged for seven nights and eight days continuously. This devastating storm uprooted them and left them lying destroyed like hollow trunks of palm trees. Surah Fussilat (41:16) also describes the punishment as a screaming wind sent during days of misfortune.
The other options describe punishments associated with different peoples: drowning was the punishment of the people of Nuh (AS) through the great flood. Fire (combined with brimstone) was associated with the people of Lut (AS). Earthquake was the punishment of the people of Thamud (the followers of Prophet Salih) and the people of Madyan (the followers of Prophet Shu'ayb).
Exam tip: Match each destroyed nation with its specific punishment - 'Ad with storm/wind, Thamud with earthquake/thunderbolt, people of Nuh with flood, people of Lut with overturned cities and stones.
