Lahore experienced unprecedented monsoon rains, breaking a 30-year record with 291mm of rainfall in 10 hours, resulting in six fatalities. Major streets and low-lying areas were submerged in water. Efforts were initiated by the city administration and Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) to drain the rainwater.
Noteworthy rainfall amounts were recorded in various areas:
| Area | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| Lakshmi Chowk | 266 |
| Nishter Town | 258 |
| Gulshan-e-Ravi | 252 |
| Johar Town | 250 |
| Qurtuba Chowk | 241 |
| Tajpura | 238 |
| Pana Wala Talab | 222 |
| Iqbal Town | 221 |
This year’s heavy downpours broke a previous record set on June 26. The city had not seen such intense rainfall in such a short period for the past three decades.
The city administration, along with Wasa Lahore, is fully mobilized to ensure effective drainage of rainwater. Wasa’s Managing Director assured that low-lying areas would be cleared promptly once the rain stops.
The torrential rains paralyzed the city, leading to waterlogged roads and stranded vehicles. Homes in Shah Jamal and Tajpura were affected, and power supply was disrupted. Authorities advised residents to stay at home to avoid any untoward situations.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department had warned about the incoming moist currents from the Arabian Sea and the likelihood of heavy rainfall across the country from July 4 to 7 due to a westerly wave.
CM Visits City
In the wake of record-breaking rainfall and subsequent urban flooding, Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the affected city. He observed the dire situation caused by heavy downpours, which resulted in urban flooding and the overflow of canals.
All the cabinet members and administration are in the field to clear the water. I am also monitoring the situation in the field and getting updates from all over Lahore continuously
the chief minister said as he visited the city to oversee relief operations.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a warning last week, stating that moist currents from the Arabian Sea were expected to move into the upper regions of the country. Additionally, a westerly wave was projected to enter the same areas on Monday, leading to significant rainfall across the country from July 4 to 7.
3 Dead In KP
At least three people died in rain-related incidents in different districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Geo News reported.
According to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) report, two people died in Shangla, and one in Karak.
The PDMA said eight people were injured, while seven houses sustained partial damage. One house was completely damaged.
An official of the KP relief department said that relief would be given to the victims as per the government policy.
Flood Warning
According to the latest meteorological analysis, deep trough of the westerly wave along with strong incursion of monsoon currents from both sources and approaching upper air circulation, due to which widespread heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls at scattered places is expected over the upper catchments of Rivers Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab and up to some extent over River Jhelum.
Due to these meteorological conditions, the advisory added, very high to exceptionally high-level flooding is expected in River Chenab.
It further said that the flood situation in rivers Ravi and Sutlej would depend upon releases from India and high to very high-level flooding is also expected in the nullahs of Rivers Ravi and Chenab.
