Heavy Rainfall Causes Havoc in Lahore and Punjab

Persistent heavy rainfall, commencing at 5 AM on Wednesday, inundated Lahore for over six hours, resulting in submerged low-lying areas, gridlocked traffic, and structural impairments across various districts of Punjab.

Although the rainfall ceased around 11:30 AM, Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) teams are still engaged in drainage operations.

Nishtar Town experienced the most intense precipitation, recording 182mm of rainfall. Water infiltrated residences in Dharampura, Shah Jamal, Choburji, and adjacent areas. Numerous vehicles and motorcycles became immobilized in the floodwaters, particularly in underpasses and on key roadways.

A residential property and a mosque in Shah Jamal were also affected by flooding. Wall and roof collapses were documented in Lahore, Okara, Sheikhupura, and Pattoki, tragically causing five fatalities, which included one woman and two children, as well as numerous injuries.

In Sheikhupura, two young children, Fatima, aged 5, and Arham, aged 2, perished when the roof of their dwelling collapsed. In Pattoki, a 55-year-old woman, Salma Bibi, and a 12-year-old boy, Sujawal, died in separate incidents.

In Lahore, a young boy was electrocuted while bathing in accumulated rainwater on an empty plot near Lari Adda.

Lahore’s Katchi Abadis and underpasses were severely impacted, notably the areas surrounding Kalma Chowk, Ferozepur Road, Haji Camp, Canal Road, and Harbanspura. Despite continuous drainage interventions, many neighborhoods continue to be waterlogged.

The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) reported disruptions on 142 feeders, leading to power outages across numerous localities. The CEO of LESCO has advised residents to stay away from power poles and electrical infrastructure during wet conditions, stating that restoration efforts will commence once the rain has stopped.

WASA Managing Director Ghaffar Ahmed inspected the affected zones and instructed personnel to expedite the clearance of major thoroughfares. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz commended WASA personnel for their efforts during the storm and mandated uninterrupted operations until all roads are cleared.

The Meteorological Department has forecasted intermittent monsoon rains to continue until July 13, with additional heavy downpours anticipated in Lahore, Jhelum, Sialkot, Narowal, and Hafizabad over the upcoming 24 hours.