At least seven people lost their lives as Lahore experienced torrential rain on Wednesday, leading to urban flooding and infrastructure damage across several areas.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority reported that three individuals succumbed to electrocution and roof collapses each, while one girl drowned. Additionally, one fatality was reported in Layyah.
Within the past 24 hours, six other people sustained injuries in rain-related incidents throughout Punjab and received medical assistance after being transported to hospitals.
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority assured residents that they could contact them at 1129 for any necessary support. Machinery and personnel were placed on high alert to handle any emergencies.
Mohsin Naqvi, Interim Chief Minister of Punjab revealed that response teams had been deployed to clear main roads and drain water from submerged areas.
Localities such as Muslim Town, Garden Town, and Gulberg were severely affected by the overflow of water from the Lahore Canal. Another round of rainfall was predicted to hit the city at 9 p.m., prompting authorities to make necessary preparations, with Naqvi personally overseeing the efforts.
Recent data released by the Water and Sanitation Agency indicated that parts of the city received over 200 millimeters of rainfall in the past 10 hours. Notably, Lakshmi Chowk recorded the highest amount of rainfall at 291mm, followed by Nishter Town at 277mm and Qurtaba Chowk at 270mm. Various other areas experienced heavy rainfall, including Gulshan-i-Ravi, Pani Wala Talab, Johar Town, and Tajpura, among others.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department forecasted intermittent heavy rainfall in Lahore for the next 24 hours.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took immediate notice of the situation and directed the caretaker chief minister of Punjab to mobilize relief teams promptly, ensuring the protection of lives and property.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, three individuals lost their lives due to rain-related incidents, specifically tree falls. Shangla reported two fatalities, while Karak witnessed one fatality. Seven people sustained injuries, and several houses were partially damaged. The Provincial Disaster Management Authority instructed Rescue 1122 and the district administration to remain on high alert due to the forecast of further downpours.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department predicted heavy rainfall for various parts of the province, including Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Toba Tek Singh, and Mandi Bahauddin. Moist currents from the Arabian Sea and an impact from a westerly wave were cited as the causes. The Met Office also warned of urban flooding in low-lying areas of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Balochistan over the next two days.
Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and extended his prayers for the departed souls.
The National Disaster Management Authority advised all relevant departments to remain vigilant and cautioned tourists, visitors, farmers, and livestock owners to stay informed about weather conditions and take necessary precautions.
