Heavy Rains Disrupt Life Across Punjab

Persistent heavy rainfall has brought widespread disruption to Lahore and various other cities throughout Punjab since early Monday. The ongoing wet conditions are anticipated to last until the 17th of this month.

The intense downpour resulted in significant water accumulation on major thoroughfares, notably affecting sections of Ferozepur Road, Canal Road, and Gulberg.

According to data from the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Paniwala Talab in Lahore experienced the highest precipitation levels, recording 171mm of rainfall, followed by Iqbal Town with 169 mm. Other locales such as Tajpura, Samanabad, and Lakshmi Chowk also reported rainfall exceeding 100mm.

The city’s electricity provider indicated that they would commence restoration efforts as soon as the rain subsides.

In Lahore, residential properties in Johar Town’s Board of Revenue Society faced inundation as rainwater entered homes.

Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner, Syed Musa Raza, along with WASA representatives, conducted site visits around Gaddafi Stadium to assess drainage operations. He instructed WASA to prioritize water removal from vulnerable low-lying areas.

The Deputy Commissioner stated that WASA personnel and district administration teams were actively engaged on-site, with all assistant commissioners directed to oversee drainage activities within their respective jurisdictions.

Authorities have advised citizens to maintain distance from electrical cables during the inclement weather.

The Chief Minister’s Complaint Cell reported that all underpasses remained unobstructed despite the substantial rainfall.

Aside from Lahore, intermittent showers were noted in Pattoki, Okara, Sahiwal, Chichawatni, Mian Channu, Sargodha, Sialkot, and Gujrat.

Faisalabad experienced extensive power disruptions in the city and adjacent areas due to the heavy downpour. In Arifwala, intermittent rain since the morning hours has led to interruptions in power supply across several areas.

Substantial rainfall continues to impact Sheikhupura and nearby localities. Residents of Ghang Road and Shah Colony are facing distress as rainwater has entered their dwellings. Tragically, in Pakpattan, a woman lost her life due to electrocution amidst the rain.

The adverse weather conditions in Lahore also impacted air travel, prompting air traffic control to place three incoming flights on hold due to compromised visibility.

An international flight encountered challenging conditions upon entering Lahore’s airspace, while PIA flights originating from Jeddah and Dubai also experienced difficulties during landing procedures.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has disseminated alerts to deputy commissioners throughout Punjab.

Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), Irfan Ali Kathia, has instructed all deputy commissioners in Punjab to exercise heightened vigilance and ensure a prompt response to potential emergencies resulting from the ongoing monsoon season.

“All relevant departments must be on high alert to manage any potential emergency situations effectively,” he conveyed in a statement released on Tuesday.

The Director General noted that both the provincial control room and district emergency operation centres are fully operational and continuously monitoring the situation. Rescue agencies, including Rescue 1122 and WASA, have been instructed to keep their equipment and staff ready for deployment.

Kathia highlighted the critical need for expedited rainwater drainage from low-lying areas to mitigate urban flooding risks. He also strongly advised parents to keep children away from standing water, especially in flood-prone areas.

Citizens have been cautioned to avoid electrical poles, dangling wires, and structurally unsound buildings. In case of emergencies, the public can reach out to the PDMA helpline by dialing 1129.

The Met Office forecasts that the current monsoon conditions are expected to persist until July 17.

Severe weather, including strong winds and substantial rainfall, triggered power outages in areas of Hyderabad and Jamshoro on Monday evening.

A representative from Hyderabad Electric Supply Company reported that power had been restored to several grid stations in Jamshoro, including Khanoth, Shalmani, Bhanoth, Chambar, and Shaikh Bhirkio.

He further noted that strong winds caused the collapse of high-tension poles, resulting in localized power disruptions.

Authorities are urging residents to remain indoors, avoid contact with power infrastructure, and stay clear of compromised buildings during the present wet weather spell.