Lahore, the capital city of Punjab province in Pakistan, has once again been hit by a devastating spell of monsoon rains. The torrential downpour that started early on Wednesday morning has resulted in widespread flooding, causing chaos and bringing life to a standstill in the city.
According to the caretaker chief minister, a record-breaking 255 millimeters of rain has been recorded in Lahore over the span of just eight hours. The heavy rainfall has led to the flooding of roads and streets, turning them into virtual rivers. The canals in the city are also overflowing, exacerbating the situation.
Tragically, one casualty has been reported due to the inclement weather. A 14-year-old boy named Wali Muhammad drowned in rainwater that had accumulated in an empty plot in the Raiwind area. Additionally, three individuals were injured when the roof of their house collapsed as a result of the relentless rain in the Do Moria Pull area. They were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The impact of the heavy rain is not limited to casualties and injuries alone. Uprooted trees have fallen onto electricity wires, causing power outages in numerous areas. The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) spokesperson has stated that the restoration of power supply is being hampered by the heavy rainfall. However, efforts to resume the supply will commence as soon as the rain subsides.
The relentless rain has not spared even the upscale areas of Lahore, where the streets have turned into temporary parking lots for stranded cars and motorcycles. Travel has become extremely difficult for many residents, with the inundated roads posing a significant challenge.
Various areas in Lahore have witnessed staggering amounts of rainfall. The highest recorded rainfall of 234 millimeters was observed at Lakshmi Chowk, followed by Nishtar Town with 220mm, Qartaba Chowk with 213mm, and Pani Wala Talab with 203mm. The Meteorological Department has predicted that the rain will persist throughout the day with intermittent intervals, and the downpour is expected to continue for the next 48 hours.
The heavy rain has exposed the lack of proper drainage measures in Lahore. Several low-lying areas have been severely affected by the accumulation of water, causing immense hardships for the residents. There have been distressing reports of rainwater entering operation theaters and wards in General and Children’s hospitals, leading to the relocation of departments and hindering medical treatment.
In response to the crisis, the caretaker chief minister of Punjab has issued instructions to utilize all available resources for the drainage of rainwater. The provincial administration, along with Rescue 1122, PDMA, and WASA, has been put on high alert. Immediate action has been ordered to drain water from roads and low-lying areas on a priority basis.
The heavy rainfall has not been limited to Lahore alone. Gujranwala, another city in Punjab, has also been severely affected, with the GT Road and several other areas being submerged under water. The lack of adequate drainage infrastructure has turned the streets into vast ponds, causing significant disruption to daily life.
Furthermore, other regions in Pakistan have also experienced monsoon rains. Faisalabad witnessed continuous rainfall throughout the night, although the weather has now improved as the rainfall has ceased. Azad Kashmir, Gujrat, Narowal, Shakargarh, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad, Phoolnagar, Nankana Sahib, and Kasur are among the cities in Punjab that have reported rainfall.
As the people of Lahore and other affected areas struggle to cope with the aftermath of the heavy rain, it is crucial for authorities to prioritize the implementation of effective drainage systems and disaster management strategies. Timely action and investment in infrastructure can help mitigate the impact of such natural disasters and ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens.
