Rain wreaks havoc in Lahore as Punjab braces for more downpours

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LAHORE: In several cities of Lahore and Punjab since Monday morning, heavy rains have dumped life in Lahore and several cities since flooding roads, stopping traffic and mobilizing power outages.

Heavy rains sank major roads, including Ferozepur Road, Canal Road, and some parts of Gulberg.

According to the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Lahore’s waterwala Talib recorded the highest rainfall in 171 mm, after which Iqbal Town remained with 169 mm. Other areas, including Tajpura, Samanaabad and Lakshmi Chowk, also rained more than 100 mm.

The city’s power supply authority said that with the rain, the restoration work would begin.

In Lahore, rain water entered houses in the Board of Revenue Society of Johar Town.

Deputy Commissioner Lahore, Syed Musa Raza, visited the areas around Gaddafi Stadium along with WASA officials to monitor drainage operations. He instructed WASA to prefer the elimination of water from the areas below.

The DC said that the WASA staff and the district administration teams were active on the ground, and all the Assistant Commissioners were instructed to monitor the drainage efforts in their respective areas.

The administration urged the residents to stay away from the wires of electricity during the rains.

Reporting about the situation in the city, the Chief Minister’s Complaint Cell said that despite the heavy rains, all underpasses are clear.

The cities of Punjab are suffering from rain

In addition to the provincial capital, intermittent rain has also been reported in Patuki, Okara, Sahiwal, Chechotni, Mian Chenno, Sargodha, Sialkot and Gujarat.

In Faisalabad, a heavy rains caused widespread power outages in the city and nearby areas. In aliaswala, intermittent rains have interrupted several areas from morning.

Heavy rains continue in Sheikhupura and nearby areas. Rain water entered the houses in Ghang Road and Shah Colony, which left residents upset. In Pakpaton, a woman died after electricity during the rains.

The air travel affected

In Lahore, stormy weather also disrupted air travel, air traffic control directed the air to keep three flights coming due to poor weather conditions.

Touristial rains started as a foreign airline flight entered the airspace of Lahore, while PIA flights from Jeddah and Dubai also faced difficulties during landing.

All the department on alert

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has issued alerts to the Deputy Commissioners all over Punjab.

Irfan Ali Katia, Director General of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), has directed all deputy commissioners across Punjab to be vigilant and ensure a sharp response in the event of an emergency created by the monsoon rains.

“All concerned departments must be on high alert to effectively handle any emergency,” he said in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The DG added that the provincial control room and district emergency operation centers have been fully activated and they are monitoring the situation for 24 hours. Rescue agencies, including Rescue 1122 and WASA, have been instructed to keep their machinery and personnel on the standby.

Katia emphasized the urgent need for rapid drainage of rainwater from low -lying areas to prevent urban floods. He urged the parents to keep the children away from the standing water, especially in the flood -hit areas.

Citizens have been advised to avoid electric poles, hanging wires and unstable buildings. In the event of an emergency, the public can contact the PDMA helpline at 1129.

According to the Met Office, the magic of the current monsoon will remain till July 17.

Hyderabad electricity is being restored

Heavy winds and heavy rains caused power outage in some parts of Hyderabad and Jamshoro on Monday evening.

A spokesman for the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company said that electricity has been restored at several grid stations in Jamshoro, including Khanut, Shalamani, Bhunwat, Chamber and Sheikh Bharkio.

He added that high tensions fell due to strong winds, which led to a decrease in local electricity.

Authorities have urged residents to stay inside the house, avoid power infrastructure, and be cleaned from the destroyed buildings during the ongoing magic of wet weather.